In many cases, lung cancer may also spread to other organs of the body, such as the bones, brain, or liver. Risk of lung cancer Lung cancer is the second most common nonskin cancer death in the United States. The number of deaths due to lung cancer increased rapidly for several decades. The number of men dying from lung cancer has been decreasing since 1991. Anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease is called a risk factor.
Some studies also suggest that environmental, or second-hand, tobacco smoke cause lung cancer.
Other Substances - Asbestos and radon have also been linked to lung cancer. These substances account for a far lower number of lung cancers than smoking. The studies were not large enough, however, to detect possible small benefits.