TIPS TO PREVENT
LUNG CANCER
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer for people
in the United States and it’s more lethal than other
forms of cancer. While it is not always possible to
completely prevent the disease from developing, there
are tips you can follow to prevent lung cancer.
Don’t Smoke, or Quit if You Do
As smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer,
accounting for 80 to 90 percent of all instances, not
smoking is one of the best ways to prevent the disease.
If you do smoke, you can decrease your risk by quitting
smoking now. Not smoking or quitting smoking can
lower your risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease or COPD, which dramatically increases your
risk for lung cancer.
Check Your Home for Radon
Checking your home for radon is essential to preventing
lung cancer. Radon is the top cause of the disease in
people who don’t smoke and second leading cause of
lung cancer in general. It is a gas that is odorless and
that occurs as a result of the decay of uranium in the
soil underneath a home. There is also a smaller risk
of radon exposure from granite countertops. However,
that which comes from the soil beneath your home is
far more of a risk.
Be Aware of Dangerous in the Workplace
Certain types of jobs can increase your risk of lung
cancer in the future. Occupational hazards such as
asbestos, arsenic, nickel and chromium can raise the
risk of developing the disease. If you are a smoker,
the risk is even greater. Your employer should always
provide you with the necessary safety equipment if
you work around any of these substances.
Avoid Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer if you are
continuously exposed to it. Generally, lung cancer
caused by secondhand smoke accounts for 3,000
cases in the United States annually. If you live with
a smoker, your risk is further increased by 20 to 30
percent. Avoiding your exposure and making smokers
in your household limit their habit to outdoors can
decrease your risk.
Avoid Air Pollution
If you live in or visit an area that’s known to have
signifi cant air pollution, you might want to wear a
face mask whenever you’re outdoors. Although it’s a
minimalistic step, it can help to reduce your risk for
lung cancer.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Certain household products, unfortunately, contain
harsh chemicals that can put your health at risk. Be
aware of them by carefully reading labels and only
buy products with natural, safe ingredients. You
should also avoid using a fi replace because the wood
smoke can increase the risk of lung cancer as well.
Know Your Family History
It’s important to know your family history. If there is
a history of lung cancer, especially if a parent, sibling
or child has had the disease, it increases your risk of
developing the disease as well.
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