Is lung cancer contagious?

Medically Reviewed by Checkmark Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Sravanthi Sunkaraneni
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Can I catch lung cancer from someone else?
Lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Each individual’s DNA is unique and therefore, their cells will not survive in another individual. However, it may appear to be contagious when it is due to hereditary factors and as it can be transferred from one individual to another with organ transplantation.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

No, lung cancer is not contagious. Cancer cells cannot spread from one person to another.. Every cell has an individual’s DNA which cannot survive in another human body. It means cancer cannot spread by touching or breathing the same air as someone who has cancer.

However, there are certain instances when lung cancer may seem contagious, however, it is not.

Chronic inflammatory conditions like asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can increase the risk of lung cancer. Another reason lung cancer seems to be contagious is heredity. A (2017) study shows that ‘approximately 8% of lung cancers are inherited or occur as a result of a genetic predisposition’.

Besides this, lung cancer may also spread during organ transplantation. A (2016) study has shown that the ‘lung transplant candidates are at higher risk for developing lung cancer’. A (2020) study also suggests lung cancer may spread to the foetus during pregnancy. However, this appears to be a rare phenomenon and needs more research to understand the mechanism.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Can I catch lung cancer from someone else?
Lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Each individual’s DNA is unique and therefore, their cells will not survive in another individual. However, it may appear to be contagious when it is due to hereditary factors and as it can be transferred from one individual to another with organ transplantation.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can I catch lung cancer from someone else?
Lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Each individual’s DNA is unique and therefore, their cells will not survive in another individual. However, it may appear to be contagious when it is due to hereditary factors and as it can be transferred from one individual to another with organ transplantation.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can I catch lung cancer from someone else?
Lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Each individual’s DNA is unique and therefore, their cells will not survive in another individual. However, it may appear to be contagious when it is due to hereditary factors and as it can be transferred from one individual to another with organ transplantation.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can I catch lung cancer from someone else?
Lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Each individual’s DNA is unique and therefore, their cells will not survive in another individual. However, it may appear to be contagious when it is due to hereditary factors and as it can be transferred from one individual to another with organ transplantation.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can I catch lung cancer from someone else?
Lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Each individual’s DNA is unique and therefore, their cells will not survive in another individual. However, it may appear to be contagious when it is due to hereditary factors and as it can be transferred from one individual to another with organ transplantation.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Can I catch lung cancer from someone else?
Lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Each individual’s DNA is unique and therefore, their cells will not survive in another individual. However, it may appear to be contagious when it is due to hereditary factors and as it can be transferred from one individual to another with organ transplantation.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can I catch lung cancer from someone else?
Lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Each individual’s DNA is unique and therefore, their cells will not survive in another individual. However, it may appear to be contagious when it is due to hereditary factors and as it can be transferred from one individual to another with organ transplantation.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can I catch lung cancer from someone else?
Lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Each individual’s DNA is unique and therefore, their cells will not survive in another individual. However, it may appear to be contagious when it is due to hereditary factors and as it can be transferred from one individual to another with organ transplantation.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can I catch lung cancer from someone else?
Lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Each individual’s DNA is unique and therefore, their cells will not survive in another individual. However, it may appear to be contagious when it is due to hereditary factors and as it can be transferred from one individual to another with organ transplantation.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can I catch lung cancer from someone else?
Lung cancer is not contagious and cannot spread through physical contact or by breathing the same air. Each individual’s DNA is unique and therefore, their cells will not survive in another individual. However, it may appear to be contagious when it is due to hereditary factors and as it can be transferred from one individual to another with organ transplantation.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Aditi Gangal
Aditi Gangal
A science graduate by education and a content writer by profession, Aditi is responsible for research and analysis of medical content.
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