Risk Factors

All cancers have risk factors. These risk factors are not collected as data items in the registry field, but should be documented in the text fields in the abstract.

Per the NCI Dictionary, risk factors are something that increase the chance of developing a disease. Some examples of risk factors for cancer are age, a family history of different types of cancers, use of tobacco products, exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, infection with specific viruses or bacteria, and even genetic changes.

For more general information about Risk Factors, see Risk Factors for Cancer or for specific information on risk factors for lung see Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - NCI or Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - NCI

Updated: April 8, 2026