Lung Cancer Prevention

Lung cancer is one of the most common and most serious cancers in the world. But here's some good news: many cases of lung cancer can be prevented. Knowing your risk factors and making a few key changes can lower your chances of getting this disease. This isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about making small, steady choices that add up over time.

• Avoid smoking: cigarette smoking causes about 80% of lung cancer deaths in the United States. If you smoke, quitting is the most powerful thing you can do for your lungs, no matter how long you've smoked or how old you are. It's never too late to quit, and your risk starts dropping soon after your last cigarette. Staying away from secondhand smoke matters too. Breathing in someone else's smoke can also cause lung cancer, even if you've never smoked yourself.

• Radon is a gas: you cannot see, smell, or taste it, and it's actually the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Radon comes up naturally from soil and rock and can build up inside homes through cracks in the foundation. The good news is that home radon test kits are cheap and easy to use. If your levels are high, a mitigation system can lower them and reduce your risk. 

• Avoid exposure: avoid long-term exposure to asbestos, workplace chemicals, and air pollution. 

• Eating a healthy diet: eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and staying physically active can also support your overall health and may help lower cancer risk.

Preventing lung cancer comes down to a mix of personal choices and awareness. Not smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, testing your home for radon, limiting exposure to harmful chemicals, and staying active are all steps within your control. Combine those habits with regular checkups and, if appropriate, lung cancer screening, and you're giving yourself the best possible chance at long-term lung health.