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Screening for Lung Cancer

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Checklists

View and download checklists to help you prepare for doctor visits and traveling.

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Additional Resources for Survivors

Explore additional resources to help you find information on many aspects of living with lung cancer, resources in your area, and specific kinds of assistance.

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COPE Sessions at HOPE Summit

Learn about LUNGevity’s COPE Summit, a full-day summit designed by and for caregivers at all stages, held in Washington, DC each spring.

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Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team

Help guide your treatment conversations at every step with this series of questions for you to ask your healthcare team.

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How Lung Cancer Develops

Understand how the lungs work, how lung cancer develops, and how it can metastasize (spread to another part of the body).

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Role of the Caregiver

Caregiving may be the most difficult job you ever take on, but one of the most valuable. Discover resources to assist you with this responsibility.

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Recently Diagnosed

Are you or a loved one recently diagnosed and wondering what happens now? LUNGevity’s Right Track can guide the way to precision resources and treatment.

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Lung Nodules

Lung nodules can be quite common, and most are not cancerous, but it is important to understand what they are and how they may impact your treatment plan.

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Signs & Symptoms

Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and when it may be time to talk to your doctor.

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Caregiving Tips

Check out these 10 tips to help you through the caregiver process and download tip sheets on specific aspects of caregiving.

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Intelligent Nutrition Assistant

Eating a healthy diet can play an important role in lung cancer care. Ina®, a personal intelligent nutrition assistant, is available 24/7 for on-demand support.

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Donate Now

Support LUNGevity Foundation with a one-time, monthly, or annual donation. Funds can be directed to lung cancer research, education and support, or areas of greatest need.

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Types of Lung Cancer

Not all lung cancers are the same. Learn about the two major histologic types, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which have several subtypes.

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End-of-Life Planning

As a caregiver, you are in the best position to help your loved one address the practical, logistical, and emotional concerns that go along with an often fast-moving disease. LUNGevity has gathered resources to help you navigate this process.

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COVID-19 and Lung Cancer

Get important information about COVID-19 and lung cancer, including a glossary of terms in English and Spanish, frequently asked questions about the virus and the vaccine, and interviews with medical experts.

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Honor/Memorial Donations

When you donate in honor or memory of someone, LUNGevity will send an acknowledgment of your thoughtful donation to the person indicated but will not reveal the amount of the donation.

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Diagnosing Lung Cancer

Discover what steps and tests are used in diagnosing lung cancer, including medical history, imaging tests, laboratory tests, biopsies, and biomarker tests.

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Additional Resources for Caregivers

Explore additional resources to help you in your role as a caregiver.

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Family Reach's Financial Treatment Program

A lung cancer diagnosis can often bring financial barriers with it. Financial Treatment Program helps you manage your finances to give you peace of mind.

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Monthly Giving

Add hope to your monthly subscriptions by becoming a LUNGevity monthly donor. Subscribe today.

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Your Medical Team

Many types of doctors and other healthcare professionals may be a part of your comprehensive care team. Find out more about the roles and responsibilities of your medical team.

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More Resources for Patients & Caregivers

Browse additional resources selected to help you find more information and support.

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No One Missed Campaign

What is a biomarker? Why is it important? How do you test for it? Find all the facts you need to know on comprehensive biomarker testing to talk about this with your doctor.

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Get Educational Materials

View and download materials about lung cancer, raising awareness in your community, and vital support services for survivors and their loved ones.

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Treatment Options for Lung Cancer

Find out more about treatment options for lung cancer by type and stage of the cancer.

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Lung Cancer Statistics

Learn the facts about lung cancer and download infographics to share this information with others.

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Who Should Be Screened?

Understand what the present guidelines are for lung cancer screening and how that may impact your doctor’s recommendation.

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Get Educational Materials

View and download materials about lung cancer, raising awareness in your community, and vital support services for survivors and their loved ones.

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Reducing Your Risk

Take an in-depth look at many risk factors associated with lung cancer including tobacco exposure, radon, air pollution, and more.

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Social Media Volunteer Program

Help promote LUNGevity and lung cancer awareness as a Social Media Ambassador. Find out more about program qualifications and apply today.

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Are You Eligible for Screening?

See if the present guidelines suggest that you should be screened for lung cancer. Start the quiz now.

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Gifts of Stock

A gift of appreciated securities can be a meaningful contribution while also providing the donor a charitable income tax deduction.

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Glossary

Explore a robust glossary of terms and acronyms related to lung cancer.

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Get Educational Materials

View and download materials about lung cancer, raising awareness in your community, and vital support services for survivors and their loved ones.

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How Is Screening Done?

Discover what to expect during a Low Dose CT scan for lung cancer.

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Matching Gifts

Find out if your employer matches contributions you make to nonprofit organizations. You may be able to double the value of your gift.

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Practical Support

Get information about support with practical aspects of having cancer such as transportation to and from medical appointments, basic living needs and expenses, and employment and legal issues.

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Tribute Funds

Honor or remember a loved one by creating a LUNGevity Tribute Fund, a fundraising campaign established in honor of them that you and others can donate to.

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Follow-up After Screening

The results are in, and now what? Learn about the important steps you need to take after a follow-up screening.

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Event Donations

People from across the country are raising money for LUNGevity by participating in our national events. Donate to an event participant or Team LUNGevity athlete to support his or her fundraising campaign.

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Emotional Support & Community

Communities can help offer much-needed emotional support for people with lung cancer. Discover how LUNGevity can connect you with others.

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Video and Webinar Library

Browse video content covering topics like education, support programs, survivor stories, and more.

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Risk Factors

Take an in-depth look at the many risk factors associated with lung cancer, including tobacco smoke, radon, and air pollution.

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Virtual Meetups

Make friends and find encouragement through our Virtual Meetups for patients, survivors, caregivers, and friends and family members of people with lung cancer.

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Complementary Therapies

Some patients find complementary therapies beneficial in addition to their lung cancer treatments. Find out more about common complementary practices.

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Biomarker Testing

Not all lung cancers are the same. Comprehensive biomarker testing can identify specific genetic “drivers” in your cancer (called biomarkers) that cause cancer to grow and spread in different ways. This can help you identify the appropriate treatment plan for you.

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Become a Mentor

Find out more about available peer-to-peer mentoring from survivors and caregivers as well as clinical trial ambassadors, who help shed light on the clinical trial experience.

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Survivorship Conferences

Learn about LUNGevity’s survivorship conferences, which are designed to inform, connect, and empower anyone who has been affected by lung cancer.

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Screening & Early Detection

Finding lung cancer early on can make a difference. Learn about early detection and all the details you need to know about the screening process.

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Find a Clinical Trial

Considering participating in a clinical trial? Use our custom search tool or connect with our partners at EmergingMed to find an available trial that may be right for you.

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Get Educational Materials

View and download materials about lung cancer, raising awareness in your community, and vital support services for survivors and their loved ones.

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Online Communities

Discover many ways to connect online with other people who have been affected by lung cancer.

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Lung Cancer Staging

Learn about what lung cancer staging is, when and how it is determined, and what each specific stage means for you.

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Lung Cancer Navigator Mobile App

Check out LUNGevity’s Lung Cancer Navigator mobile app, a customizable tool that puts your entire support network in the palm of your hand.

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Volunteer for Events

Learn about events in your area and how you can start your own DIY fundraiser

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Survivor Stories

In our HOPE Summit video series, survivors speak candidly about many aspects of lung cancer including their diagnosis and treatment, common misconceptions about the disease, how they have transformed into advocates for research, and more.

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Managing Treatment Side Effects

Better understand and manage the side effects of conventional cancer therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy.

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Lung Cancer HELPLine

LUNGevity’s Lung Cancer HELPLine offers toll-free, personalized support for patients and caregivers. Dial 844-360-5864 Monday through Thursday, 10am to 6pm ET, and Friday, 10am to 5pm ET.

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How Lung Cancer Develops

Understand how the lungs work, how lung cancer develops, and how it can metastasize (spread to another part of the body).

Learn More
What To Ask Your Doctor

Help guide your treatment conversations at every step with this series of questions for healthcare professionals.

Learn More
Managing Your Breathing

Learn about pulmonary rehabilitation, a medically supervised program to help people with lung disease improve their overall physical, mental, and social functioning. 

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Peer-to-Peer Mentoring

Finding someone who understands what you’re going through isn’t easy. Patients and caregivers can get matched with one-on-one mentors who can help you navigate through the emotions and logistics of life with lung cancer.

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Why Is Early Detection Important?

Finding lung cancer early, when it is most treatable, can save lives. Learn about early detection and what you need to know about lung cancer screening.

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Risk Factors

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  • Risk Factors
  • Determining Your Risk

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While doctors cannot always explain why one person develops lung cancer and another does not, there are certain risk factors that research has shown increase a person’s chance of developing lung cancer.

Included among these risk factors are:

  • Tobacco smoke
  • Radon
  • Asbestos and other carcinogens
  • Air pollution
  • Family or personal history of lung cancer
  • Radiation therapy
  • Age 65 and older
  • History of lung disease
  • Diet

Researchers are continuing to learn more about lung cancer risk factors and how to reduce them.

The following sections provide more details about the listed lung cancer risk factors as well as ways to reduce them. Your doctor can give you more information about reducing risk.

Tobacco smoke

Tobacco smoke causes most cases of lung cancer. It is by far the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Among those newly diagnosed, it is estimated that about 80%-90% are either current or former smokers; the remaining 10%-20% are never smokers.1

Harmful substances in smoke damage lung cells, cause mutations, and make the lungs more vulnerable to other cancer-causing environmental factors, such as asbestosA group of minerals that take the form of tiny fibers; has been used as insulation against heat and fire in buildings and radonA radioactive gas that is released by uranium, a substance found in soil and rock. Smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars can cause (or accelerate) lung cancer. If you are at increased risk of developing lung cancer because of smoking, speak with your doctor, who may be able to give you additional information, including referring you to a screening program. Read more about screening here.1

Secondhand smoke—smoke from other people’s tobacco use—can even cause lung cancer in nonsmokers. The more and the longer a person is exposed to smoke, the greater the risk of lung cancer. It is best not to start smoking. However, even those who do smoke can significantly lower—although never eliminate even after many years of non-smoking—their risk of developing lung cancer by quitting. In addition, it is never too late to quit; there are health benefits, including longer survival and a lower likelihood of a recurrence of their lung cancer, even to those who don’t quit smoking until after a lung cancer diagnosis. There are many tobacco cessation programs to help a smoker quit; two such programs are the US government’s program at www.smokefree.gov and the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking® Online program.1,2,3

Radon

Radon is a radioactiveGiving off radiation gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It forms naturally in soil and rocks. Radon damages lung cells, and people exposed to radon are at increased risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the risk of lung cancer from radon is even higher for smokers. Radon can be present in buildings. Because there is no way to know for sure without testing whether radon is present, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that people test their homes for radon levels. If a high level is found, there are ways to lower it to make a home safer. For information and resources on how to protect yourself from exposure to radon, read the Environmental Protection Agency's Citizen's Guide to Radon or contact your local Department of Health.1,4

Asbestos and other carcinogens

People who have certain jobs (such as those who work in the construction and chemical industries) have an increased risk of lung cancer. Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, soot, tar, and other substances can cause lung cancer. The risk is highest for those with years of exposure. The risk of lung cancer from these carcinogensAny substance that causes cancer is even higher for smokers. It is important to follow all of the safety guidelines provided by your employer. It is also a good idea to check with your doctor about any additional precautions you should take if you are exposed to these substances at work.5,6

Air pollution

Outdoor air pollution, which can include, among other pollutants, diesel fumes, dust, and solvents as well as particulate matter (a mixture of very small solid particles and liquid droplets, such as sulfur dioxide, soot, and many others)  may increase the risk of lung cancer. The risk from air pollution is higher for smokers. Because most sources of air pollution cannot be controlled by individuals, it is policymakers who must take steps to reduce it.7,8

Indoor air pollution is also a risk, specifically for those who cook and/or heat their homes with kerosene fuels, coal, and biomass (organic matter used as fuel).7,8

Family or personal history of lung cancer

People with an immediate family member—father, mother, brother, sister, son, or daughter—who has had lung cancer may be at increased risk for developing lung cancer. This is particularly the case when more than one family member is or has been affected by the disease or if a relative was diagnosed at a young age. The increased risk may be due to exposure to the same environmental risk factors, including tobacco smoke, or possibly, in rare cases, to an inherited mutation.1,9,10,11

People who have had lung cancer themselves are at increased risk of developing a second lung tumor; this is more likely among smokers.1

Radiation therapy

People who have had radiation therapy to the chest for cancers other than lung cancers have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. These include those who have been treated for Hodgkin lymphoma and women with breast cancer who were treated with radiation after a mastectomy.The lung cancer may take many years to develop.  Note that modern radiation therapy techniques and practices may be able to reduce this risk, but it is still a risk to be discussed with your doctor.1,12,13,14,15

Age 65 and older

Age is a factor in lung cancer risk. More than two-thirds of people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 years or older when diagnosed.16

History of lung disease

Having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema,  or pulmonary fibrosis, which causes scarring in lung tissue, increases lung cancer risk. In both cases, smoking increases the risk.11,17,18

Diet

Drinking water from public sources is tested to ensure that the level of arsenic is below that which could cause any adverse effects, but arsenic in drinking water from private sources, e.g., wells, can increase lung cancer risk; this water should be tested.19

There has been some evidence to show that smokers and those who have been exposed to asbestos who take high-dose beta-carotene supplements over a long period of time are more likely to develop lung cancer, so these supplements should be avoided. This is not the case for foods that are high in beta-carotene; these foods are considered safe.20

Updated February 9, 2021


References

  1. Lung Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/risk_factors.htm. Reviewed September 22, 2020. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  2. What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Lung Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/prevention.htm. Reviewed September 22, 2020. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  3. Former Smokers and Cancer Risk. OncoLink website. http://www.oncolink.org/risk/article.cfm?id=22. Modified March 4,2020. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  4. A Citizen’s Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon. US Environmental Protection Agency website. http://www.epa.gov/radon/citizens-guide-radon-guide-protecting-yourself-and-your-family-radon. Revised December 2016. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  5. Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk. National Cancer Institute website. http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet. Reviewed June 7, 2017. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  6. Field RW, Withers BL. Occupational and Environmental Causes of Lung Cancer. Clin Chest Med. 2012 Dec; 33(4). doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2012.07.001. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3875302/. Epub December 30, 2012. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  7. Ambient (outdoor) air quality and health. World Health Organization website. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/. Updated May 2, 2018. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  8. Particulate Matter (PM) Basics. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website. https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics. Updated October 1, 2020. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  9. Lung cancer. U.S. National Library of Medicine website. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/lung-cancer/. Updated August 18, 2020. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  10. Gazdar A, Robinson L, et al. Hereditary Lung Cancer Syndrome Targets Never Smokers with Germline EGFR Gene T90M Mutation. J Thorac Oncol. 2014 Apr; 9(4):456-463. doi: 10.1097/JTO.0000000000000130. https://www.jto.org/article/S1556-0864(15)30240-9/pdf. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  11. NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Lung Cancer Screening. Version 1.2020. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/lung_screening-patient.pdf. Posted May 14, 2019. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  12. Kamran SC, et al. Therapeutic radiation and the potential risk of second malignancies. Cancer 2016; 122:1809-21. doi.org/10.1002/cncr.29841. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cncr.29841. Published March 7, 2016. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  13. Second cancers related to treatment. American Cancer Society website. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/second-cancers-in-adults/treatment-risks.html. Revised February 1, 2020. Accessed February 9, 2021.

  14. Schaapveld M, Aleman B, et al. Second Cancer Risk up to 40 Years after Treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. N Engl J Med 2015; 373: 2499-2511. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1505949. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1505949#t-article. Accessed February 9, 2021.

  15. Understanding your risk of developing secondary cancers. National Comprehensive Cancer Network® Patient and Caregiver Resources website. https://www.nccn.org/patients/resources/life_after_cancer/understanding.aspx. Copyright 2021. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  16. SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Lung and Bronchus Cancer. National Cancer Institute website. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/lungb.html. Updated April 2020. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  17. Zhang X, Jiang N, et al. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and risk of lung cancer: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Oncotarget. 2017 Sep 29; 8(44): 78044-78056. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.20351. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5652835/#:~:text=Analyses%20stratified%20by%20lung%20cancer,1.39%20vs. Posted August 18, 2017. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  18. Kato, E, Takayanagi N, et al. Incidence and predictive factors of lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. ERJ Open Res. 2018 Jan: 4(1): 00111-2016. doi: 10.1183/23120541.0011102016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5795191/. Posted February 2, 2018. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  19. FAQs: Arsenic in Private Well Water. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs—Massachusetts website. http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/water/drinking/arsenic-in-private-well-water-faqs.html. Copyright 2021. Accessed February 9, 2021.
  20. Beta Carotene (Oral Route) Precautions. Mayo Clinic website. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/beta-carotene-oral-route/precautions/drg-20066795. Updated February 1, 2021. Accessed February 9, 2021.

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