Lung Cancer- Risks and Prevention

A look at its risks and prevention.

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You know all those years of smoking weren’t good for your health. And even though you quit a long time ago, the years that you worked in an office where people routinely lit up only increases your concern.

You wonder if it’s too late to do something that might reduce your risk of lung cancer. And even if you have never had significant smoke exposure, there are steps you can take to protect your lungs. Read on to learn about lung cancer risks and prevention strategies.

Risk Factors

Lung cancer accounts for one in four cancer-related deaths. Smoking is by far the greatest risk factor for lung cancer. Your risk increases with the number of cigarettes, pipes or cigars you smoked each day and the number of years you smoked. But even if you’ve never smoked or you quit a long time ago, you may still be at risk.

Other factors that increase your risk of lung cancer include:

Exposure to secondhand smoke

Even if you don’t smoke, your risk of lung cancer increases if you’re exposed to smoke from others.

Exposure to radon gas

Radon is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Unsafe levels of radon can accumulate in buildings, including some homes.

Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens

Workplace exposure to asbestos and other substances known to cause cancer – including arsenic, chromium and nickel – can increase your risk of lung cancer.

Family history of lung cancer