Which group is most at risk of lung cancer?

Individuals over the age of 50 are recognized as a high-risk group for lung cancer due to a combination of factors, including age-related biological changes and cumulative exposure to environmental risk factors. As people age, the likelihood of cancer increases because of longer exposure times to carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, and occupational hazards. Moreover, the immune system becomes less effective over time, which can lead to a reduced ability to combat cancerous changes in cells.

While other options may contain elements of risk, such as the potential for lung cancer in smokers or individuals exposed to environmental pollutants, it is the combination of age and the associated cumulative risk that notably elevates the susceptibility among those over 50. This demographic often experiences a higher incidence of lung cancer due to these compounding factors. Thus, the age group of 50 and older is clearly characterized as being at greater risk when considering overall lung cancer statistics and trends in health data.