Is it concerning that a 35-year-old has a positive family history of lung cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 35 years old, and I used to experience wheezing and asthmatic attacks during winter and early mornings. I also have some allergies that cause severe running nose in the mornings. I am not taking any medication for that. I am hypothyroid and under medication. My concern is that my paternal mother died due to lung cancer when she was 85 years old. She did not have any other diseases apart from that. So, is there any chance for me to get lung cancer? I am too scared whenever I get a severe cough. I often get colds nowadays. My father and my mother are closely related; my mother's father is my father's mother's elder brother. Should I be concerned? Please guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Thanks for trusting us with your health care.

I can understand your concern.

I do not think there is anything to worry about. The major risk factors for lung cancer include smoking, pollution, and prolonged exposure to certain chemicals such as asbestos, radon, petroleum, and more. If a first-degree family member is diagnosed with lung cancer at an age less than 50, it may sometimes be related to a genetic abnormality that runs in families. However, lung cancer at 85 years of age rarely poses a threat to other family members. So, do not worry. But if you are a smoker or want to undergo lung cancer screening, starting at age 55, you can have a low-dose CT (computed tomography) scan of the chest and repeat it every 5 years.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Is it concerning that a 35-year-old has a positive family history of lung cancer?

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