The biggest risk factor for developing skin cancer is exposure to sunlight, especially during childhood and adolescence. Several peeling, blistering sunburns before the age of 20 increase the risk for skin cancer later in life. Women who are fair-skinned or have a family history of cancerous moles are more prone to developing skin cancer. The incidence of women developing lung cancer has continued to increase. Since 1987 more women have died each year from lung cancer than breast cancer.
Cigarette smoking is by far the most significant risk factor for lung cancer.
Exposure to arsenic, asbestos, radiation, air pollution, tuberculosis, radon and secondhand smoke also increases the risk. Because symptoms don't often appear until the disease is advanced, early detection is difficult. If you smoke, stop now. If not, don't start. This type of cancer is rare, accounting for about three percent of all tumors of the female reproductive organs.