Though not all lung cancers can be prevented, but there are things that one can do to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer is considered as smoker’s disease but people are often unaware that there are other risk factors as well. Today, we share 10 simple things that you can do to reduce the risk of lung cancer:
1. No to Smoking and Tobacco Use
The best way to reduce the risk of lung cancer is not to smoke and stay away from tobacco and cigarettes. The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes you smoke every day and the number of years you have smoked. Quitting smoking can significantly help in lowering your risk of developing lung cancer.
2. Avoid Second-Hand Smoke
Even if you don’t smoke, the risk of lung cancer increases when you are exposed to secondhand smoke. Smoke from other people’s cigarettes, cigars or pipes are harmful for your health. You should ensure to make your home and office smoke-free.
3. Exposure to Radon Gas
Radon gas is produced by natural breakdown of uranium in soil, water and rock. The unsafe levels of radon can accumulate in your office, in your building or even in your homes. One should ensure to avoid exposure to radon gas. This is one of the essential ways to reduce the chance of getting lung cancer.
4. Exposure to Other Substances
In addition to radon, other cancer-causing agents’ exposure should be limited to the extent possible. Fumes from diesel gas or soldering metal could increase lung cancer risk. Other factors may include exposure to radiation, nickel, chromium and arsenic.
5. Reduce Occupational Risks
Avoiding exposure to gases or chemicals in workplace or elsewhere may also be helpful. Those exposed to cooking flames from coal or wood might increase the risk.The exposure to such things should be kept at a minimum.
6. Eat Healthy Diet
A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help to lower down the risk of getting lung cancer. Though there are no specific fruits or vegetables that are better at preventing it but having a variety of them seems to be more beneficial.
7. Regular Exercise
The numbers of health benefits that come with regular exercising are endless. It keeps you healthy physically as well as mentally. It is usually recommended to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day to keep your lungs healthy. The benefits of exercising extend to smokers, non-smokers and former smokers. Some physical activity is better than none and older adults should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate level of exercise depending on their health.
8. Family History of Cancer
If your parent, sibling or child has/had lung cancer, the risk of getting lung cancer increases. For all those having family history of lung cancer, should take extra care of themselves. One should not avoid the early symptoms of lung cancer and ensure to get regular checkups.
9. Keep a Check on Symptoms
The major reason behind the increasing number of lung cancer patients is due to its detection at an advanced stage. One should keep a check on its symptoms and use tools like low-dose computed tomography (CT), a type of X-ray imaging study to help in early detection. Timely lung cancer screening helps to prevent it.
10. Limit Alcohol Intake
Another important way in lung cancer prevention is limiting your intake of alcoholic beverages. The heavy consumption of beer or hard liquor is associated with increased risk of lung cancer as compared to non-drinkers.
These are some of the effective, easy and useful ways that help in preventing lung cancer risk.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only. You should always contact your healthcare practitioner before making any changes in diet or medicines.