There are several ways in which pulmonary fibrosis can be associated with cancer. Firstly, certain types of cancer, particularly lung cancer, can directly cause fibrosis as a consequence of tumor growth and invasion. Secondly, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are known risk factors for the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Finally, some patients may develop this condition as a result of an autoimmune response triggered by the cancer itself or its treatment.
