Overview: Some risk factors for lung cancer like family history you can’t avoid. However, lifestyle changes and protecting yourself against certain exposures can lower your lung cancer risk. Hint: If you smoke, quit.
Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death for both women and men, largely because symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has advanced and begun to spread. So, what can you do to help prevent lung cancer?
Here are six steps you can take:
Stop smoking: The No.1 risk factor
The most effective way to lower your risk is to quit smoking and avoid all tobacco smoke. Smoking causes 80-90% of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. Smoking also increases your chances of developing emphysema, heart disease and other cancers.
If you stop smoking before cancer develops, your damaged lung tissue gradually starts to repair itself. No matter your age or how long you’ve smoked, quitting will lower your risk of lung cancer and help you live longer.
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According to the American Cancer Society:
- 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
- Two weeks to three months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases. Your risk of heart attack begins to decrease.
- One to nine months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
- One year after quitting: Your risk of heart disease is cut in half.
- Two to five years after quitting: Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder is cut in half. Your stroke risk drops to that of someone who doesn't smoke.
- 10 years after quitting: You’re half as likely to die from lung cancer than someone who still smokes. Your risk of cancer of the pancreas and kidney decreases.
- 15 years after quitting: Your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as someone who doesn’t smoke.
If you’re at high risk, consider a lung cancer screening: Ask your primary care provider if you qualify for a lung cancer screening, a low-dose CT scan that can help find lung cancer at an early stage when it may be easier to treat. If you have a smoking history of 20-pack years and are age 50-77, you may qualify.
Avoid second-hand smoke
Did you know breathing in smoke from other people’s cigarettes, cigars or pipes is a risk factor for lung cancer? Make your home and car smoke free. Even if you don’t smoke, your risk for lung cancer increases if you’re regularly around people who smoke.
Test for radon
The second leading cause of lung cancer is exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from the breakdown of uranium in the soil. Radon is colorless and odorless. Get your home tested for radon and take steps to reduce the radon level if it is high. In fact, Iowa has the largest percentage of homes --71% -- above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- recommended radon level.
Radon is present outdoors and indoors. Radon gas in the air breaks down into tiny radioactive elements that can be breathed in and lodge in the lining of the lungs. This radiation can damage lung cells and lead to lung cancer.
Limit exposure to cancer-causing agents
Follow health and safety guidelines at your workplace and elsewhere to avoid cancer-causing agents, such as asbestos. Wear any protective equipment recommended by your employer. Also, be aware of air quality and avoid outdoor pollutants when possible.
Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans
Make whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans a major part of your normal diet. Independent studies show a healthy pattern of eating and drinking is associated with a lower risk of cancer.
Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight, strengthens your immune system and improves lung function, which may help protect against lung cancer.
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This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne provider.
