How Can We Prevent Lung Cancer: 8 Important Tips to Lower Risk

Lung cancer is a kind of cancer that begins in the lungs and mostly affects people who smoke a lot. The cancer cells usually start growing in the cells that line the bronchi and other parts of the lungs like the alveoli or bronchioles. 

Lung cancer treatment generally includes cancer surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Continue reading this article to understand how to prevent lung cancer. 

Tips to Lower the Risk of Lung Cancer

1. Exercise Regularly

Exercising regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer. According to a study, it has been found that the risk of cancer can be reduced by more than 70% by exercising regularly. This helps in improving the functioning of the lungs, which in turn repairs the damaged lung cells.

2. Eat a Lot of Vegetables and Fruits

The nutrients and vitamins present in vegetables and fruits are known to reduce the risk of lung cancer to a great degree. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and other required nutrition than pills or tablet supplements. Sometimes, artificial supplements can be harmful to your health.

3. Protect Yourself Against Carcinogens

Carcinogens are substances or chemicals, which cause cancer in humans. Carcinogens that cause lung cancer are cadmium, coke oven fumes, asbestos, chromium compounds, foundry substances, nickel refining, soot, radon, tar, and silica.

If you work around or have an occupation related to these substances, then you should take proper precautions to protect yourself. You can wear a face mask or bodysuit as required for protection against these carcinogens.

4. Radon Test

Radon is known to cause lung cancer and there might be chances that you are living in a house or area where there is a high level of radon. It is better to test the levels of radon regularly.

5. Stop Smoking or Using Tobacco

Cigarette smoking or tobacco is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Once you stop smoking, your risk of getting this cancer is reduced by a huge percentage. 

There are many toxic substances in cigarettes such as arsenic, benzene, and formaldehyde, which can cause respiratory diseases and cancer. The risk of lung cancer will reduce every year after you have stopped smoking.

Passive smoking is also dangerous. Try to avoid travelling in the same vehicle with a person when he smokes. If you have a family member who smokes, ask them to avoid smoking around you. Also, encourage them to quit smoking.

6. Reduce Alcohol Consumption

According to a study, it has been reported that there is a higher risk of lung cancer among heavy alcohol consumers. There is more than a 10% risk of lung cancer if you drink 8 beers or hot drinks every day.

7. Lung Screening

Lung screening is a cancer screening test, which is done at various hospitals. This is done to diagnose cancer as soon as possible. It is generally recommended for people who have been smoking for many years and are exposed to harmful cancer-causing chemicals.

Also Read:- What Are the Causes of White Lung Cancer (Asbestosis)?

8. Improve Indoor Air Quality

The risk of lung cancer can increase due to breathing poor quality air. You may not be able to control the air outside, but you can ensure good quality air indoors by following a few tips. 

You can use an air purifier or indoor plants to improve the air quality. Ensure adequate ventilation and get rid of any source of carcinogen. 

We all know that prevention is better than cure. Put efforts to reduce the risk of lung cancer by following the tips given above.