Skip to main content

Can Lung Carcinoid Tumors Be Prevented?

On this page

Because we do not yet know what causes most lung carcinoid tumors, it is not possible to know how to prevent them.

Smoking has been linked with an increased risk of atypical carcinoids in some studies, so quitting (or not starting) might reduce a person’s risk.

The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team

Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.

Thomas CF, Jett JR, Strosberg JR. Lung neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors: Epidemiology, risk factors, classification, histology, diagnosis, and staging. UpToDate website. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/lung-neuroendocrine-carcinoid-tumors-epidemiology-risk-factors-classification-histology-diagnosis-and-staging. Updated Feb. 26, 2018. Accessed July 9, 2018. 

Last Revised: August 28, 2018

American Cancer Society Emails

Sign up to stay up-to-date with news, valuable information, and ways to get involved with the American Cancer Society.