[Lung cancer and the environment : state of the art and perspectives].

Abstract

Lung cancer carries a high burden owing to its high incidence and high mortality rate. The dismal prognosis of this frequent disease is mainly due to late-stage diagnosis. Tobacco-induced lung cancer accounts for an approximate 85 % of the cases, although an increasing number light or never-smokers are diagnosed with this disease, stressing the contribution of the environment to its development. Environmental risk factors have been recognized, such as residential radon, outdoor air pollution including fine particles and a range of toxic compounds used in the occupational context, in particular asbestos. The exposome integrates both environmental and individual genetic factors contributing to the risk of developing lung cancer. Its use in prevention and early intervention programs should help personalize these approaches and enhance their efficacy, potentially leading to reducing the mortality associated with this disease.