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Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Facts: Risk Factors

There are several things that may increase your risk of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Most of these risk factors , like smoking, can be avoided. However, some risk factors, like family history, cannot be avoided.

Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Risk Factors

The following things may increase your risk of all types of lung cancer, including non-small-cell lung cancer:

Smoking: Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancers and is responsible for more than 80% of all lung cancer cases. All tobacco products may increase your risk of lung cancer, including cigarettes, pipes, cigars, hookahs and marijuana. Some tobacco products also may increase your risk of other cancers, such as throat and mouth cancers.
Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke: Breathing in the smoke of others also increases your risk of lung cancer. In fact, studies have shown that spouses of smokers have a 30% increased risk of developing lung cancer.
Exposure to Dangerous Substances: Exposure to dangerous substances such as arsenic , asbestos , radon , uranium , mustard gas , coal products and gasoline, may increase your risk of lung cancer. Many of these cancer-causing substances are found in the workplace. If you smoke and are exposed to such substances, you may be at an even higher risk.
Radiation Therapy to the Chest: If you have had radiation therapy to the chest, you may be at in increased risk of lung cancer, especially if you are a smoker.
Lung Diseases: If you have certain lung diseases, such as silicosis or berylliosis , you have an increased risk of lung cancer.
Previous Lung Cancer: You have an increased risk of developing lung cancer again if you have already had lung cancer.
Family History of Lung Cancer: If you have a close relative who has had lung cancer, such as a parent or sibling, you may be at an increased risk of lung cancer.
Air Pollution: Some studies have shown that living in cities with higher air pollution may increase your risk of lung cancer.
Eating Habits: Some studies have shown that not eating enough fruits and vegetables may increase your risk of lung cancer if you smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke.

Reducing Your Risk of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

The number one thing you can do to help prevent all types of lung cancer, including non-small-cell lung cancer, is avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke!

In addition to avoiding tobacco products, you should limit your exposure to the dangerous, cancer-causing substances we discussed in the risk factors list. Also, add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.

There is no guarantee that following these guidelines will prevent all lung cancers. However, making these lifestyle changes are proven to help reduce your risk of lung cancer.

Learn about screening for lung cancers and how to recognize possible signs and symptoms of lung cancers: Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Facts: Screening, Signs And Symptoms.

Chemotherapy can be managed through education preparation. To be better equipped to help yourself and your family, visit the Helpful Resource section.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Taxotere® treatment can cause serious, physically limiting, and potentially life-threatening side effects, such as infection, low blood-cell counts, allergic reaction, and retention of excess fluid (edema).

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Taxotere^® treatment can cause serious, physically limiting, and potentially life-threatening side effects, such as infection, low blood-cell counts, allergic reaction, and retention of excess fluid (edema).

Taxotere^® should not be given to patients with low white–blood-cell counts, abnormal liver function, or a history of allergic reactions to Taxotere^® or any of the ingredients in Taxotere^®.

Before each Taxotere^® treatment, all patients treated with Taxotere^{^®} must receive another medicine called dexamethasone. This drug can help reduce the risk of fluid retention (edema) and allergic reactions.

Taxotere^® should be administered only under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer treatments. Appropriate management of complications is possible only when adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are readily available.

Treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplasia has occurred in patients given anthracyclines and/or cyclophosphamide, including use with Taxotere^® in adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

The most common severe side effects are low white–blood-cell count, anemia, fatigue, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation. Low white–blood-cell count can lead to life-threatening infections. The earliest sign of infection may be fever, so tell your doctor right away if you have a fever.

Other common side effects from Taxotere^® include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, rash, infusion-site reactions, odd sensations (such as numbness, tingling, or burning) or weakness in the hands and feet, nail changes, muscle and/or bone pain, or excessive tearing.

Because of the potential risk of fetal harm, pregnant women should not receive Taxotere^®. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Taxotere^®.

Before receiving Taxotere^®, tell your doctor if

You have any allergies
You are taking any other medicines — including nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements

When taking Taxotere^®, contact your doctor if

You have symptoms of an allergic reaction (warm sensation, tightness in your chest, itching/hives, or shortness of breath)
You experience any other side effects

Please see accompanying full prescribing information, including boxed WARNING.

Click here for information on drug anti-counterfeiting.

Taxotere^® (docetaxel) Injection Concentrate Indications

Breast Cancer
TAXOTERE^® is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy
TAXOTERE^® in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-positive breast cancer

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
TAXOTERE^®, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy
TAXOTERE^® in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not previously received chemotherapy for this condition.

Prostate Cancer
TAXOTERE^® in combination with prednisone is indicated for the treatment of patients with androgen independent (hormone refractory) metastatic prostate cancer.

Gastric Cancer
TAXOTERE^® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for advanced disease.

Head and Neck Cancer
TAXOTERE^® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).