Lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer in the US. Here's what you need to know

While smoke remains the biggest risk factor for being diagnosed with lung cancer, health officials say there are other risk factors such as excessive levels of radon gas in a home. A recently published study also revealed that another possible risk factor is a diet high in ultra processed foods.

Gillian Neff and Rose Shannon

Aug 3, 2025, 5:19 PM

Updated 4 hr ago

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As lung cancer remains the No. 1 cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., scientists say they are continuing to learn more information about the disease.
While smoke remains the biggest risk factor for being diagnosed with lung cancer, health officials say there are other risk factors such as excessive levels of radon gas in a home. People can be tested for possible exposure.
A recently published study also revealed that another possible risk factor is a diet high in ultra processed foods. Researchers found that people who ate the most ultra processed foods like chips, sodas, lunch meats and packaged snacks, were 41% more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer.
Experts admit they do not know why this happens, but think the additives in junk food, packaging chemicals and lack of nutrients all contribute.
The American Lung Association says there are several things people need to be aware of:
  • Anyone can be diagnosed, even those who have not smoked.
  • More people die from the disease than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined.
  • Due to early detection and targeted treatment, the survival rate has increased by 26% in the last five years.
  • Screenings are widely available but only 16% of people eligible, based on their current or past smoking history, get screened.
  • If you or your family member have been diagnosed, your tumor can be tested for biomarkers, which is where targeted treatments can start
  • The state of Lung Cancer Report shows that people or color are less likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer early, when it's most treatable.