Lung cancer fatality risk and smoking habits

It is well known that there is a strong relationship between the smokers and the incidence and lung cancer fatality. A US lung cancer mortality study indicated the mortality rate increased with age and the number of fatalities from lung cancer among smokers increased very significantly as compared to non-smokers.

Mortality rate per 100,000 person-years

Age group                Non-smokers          Smokers

55 – 59 y                   5.3                              206

60 – 64 y                   11.6                           361

65 – 69 y                   21.5                           581

70 – 74 y                   34.9                           909

It is indicated that the incidence of lung cancer is more prevalent amongst the uranium miners who are exposed to radon (radioactive gaseous decay product from uranium and thorium series) and its decay products. The risk of incidence of lung cancer varies with the different smoking habits. Studies have indicated that there is enhancement (synergistic effect) in the lung cancer risk due to radon exposure and the smoking habits of the exposed persons.

This means risk of lung cancer resulting from unit radiation dose due to exposure to radon for people who are smokers is substantially higher than that of people who never smoked.

Exposure to radon is much more injurious to heath if you are a smoker.