Lung cancer risks are often misunderstood, with many myths surrounding the causes and prevention of the disease. One common misconception is that it’s too late to benefit from quitting smoking after years of the habit. In reality, quitting smoking has almost immediate health benefits, improving circulation and lung function. Over time, the risk of lung cancer decreases significantly, with a 50% reduction in the risk of dying from the disease ten years after quitting compared to those who continue smoking.

Another myth is that smoking marijuana is safe. However, marijuana smoking may increase lung cancer risk, especially for those who also smoke cigarettes. Research indicates that combining both substances could elevate the risk even further. Additionally, the belief that low-tar or “light” cigarettes are safer is false, as they pose the same risks as regular cigarettes. Other factors contributing to lung cancer risk include exposure to radon, a radioactive gas, and air pollution, which remains a significant concern in many parts of the world.

Source: WebMD