Are any lifestyle choices associated with lung cancer?

Smoking

- Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths each year, including more than 160,000 deaths from lung cancer.

- Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. These chemicals damage the DNA in lung cells, leading to mutations that can cause cancer.

- The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years a person has smoked.

- Quitting smoking at any age can help reduce the risk of lung cancer. The sooner a person quits, the lower their risk will be.

Secondhand Smoke

- Secondhand smoke is the smoke that is exhaled by a smoker or that comes from the end of a burning cigarette. It contains the same harmful chemicals as firsthand smoke and can cause lung cancer in nonsmokers.

- Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory problems.

- The best way to protect yourself from secondhand smoke is to avoid places where smoking is allowed and to ask smokers to smoke outside.

Exposure to Asbestos

- Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used in insulation and other building materials. It is now known to be a carcinogen and is responsible for about 5% of lung cancer deaths in the United States.

- Asbestos fibers can be inhaled and become trapped in the lungs, where they can damage the DNA in lung cells and lead to cancer.

- The risk of lung cancer from exposure to asbestos increases with the amount and duration of exposure.

- There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. The best way to protect yourself from asbestos is to avoid contact with it.

Radon Gas

- Radon is a radioactive gas that is found naturally in the ground. It can seep into homes and buildings through cracks in the foundation or through the water supply.

- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking. It is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.

- The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure increases with the concentration of radon in the air and the length of time a person is exposed.

- The best way to protect yourself from radon is to test your home for radon and to remediate it if necessary.

Other Risk Factors

- There are a number of other risk factors for lung cancer, including:

- Age: The risk of lung cancer increases with age.

- Gender: Men are more likely to get lung cancer than women.

- Race: African Americans are more likely to get lung cancer than whites.

- Family history: People who have a family history of lung cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease.

- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): People with COPD are more likely to get lung cancer.

- Weak immune system: People with weak immune systems are more likely to get lung cancer.

Reducing your Risk

- There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer, including:

- Don't smoke. Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer.

- Avoid secondhand smoke.

- Get tested for radon. If your home has radon, have it remediated.

- Eat a healthy diet. A diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce your risk of lung cancer.

- Get regular exercise. Exercise can help reduce your risk of lung cancer by boosting your immune system and reducing inflammation.

- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of lung cancer.

- Protect yourself from occupational exposures. If you are exposed to asbestos or other lung carcinogens at work, take steps to protect yourself.