Lung cancer is one of the most common and lethal cancers in the world today. Although some causes, such as genetics or exposure to hazardous elements, may be unavoidable, there are many other aspects that one may control or modify in order to mitigate the risk of the disease.

In this article, we will discuss some of the practical suggestions from experts to help you avoid getting lung cancer, from giving up on smoking to being outdoors more often.

If you take the necessary precautions, there is every possibility that your lung health will improve and you will not be a part of another statistic. 

Quit smoking

Lung cancer was pretty common at the start of the 20th century. But as smoking rates soared, so did lung cancer cases. About 90% of today’s lung cancers are linked to smoking or tobacco smoke. For women, smoking ramps up lung cancer risk by 25.7 times. For men, it’s 25 times.

Kicking the habit is one of the smartest moves you can make. Research shows that quitting can cut your risk of lung cancer by 30% to 50% after 10 years. Chat with your doctor about how to quit. It might take some trial and error, but it’s worth it.

Another often forgotten aspect of smoking is secondhand smoke. Second-hand smoke comes from other people’s cigarettes or cigars and the smoke they puff out. It’s loaded with chemicals, around 70 of which cause cancer and hundreds more that are toxic.

Even a quick whiff of secondhand smoke can be harmful. The CDC says it causes over 7,300 lung cancer deaths a year among non-smokers. Laws have cut down on public exposure, but try to avoid secondhand smoke at home and work. Your lungs will thank you.

Test your house for Radon

Radon is an odorless and colorless radioactive gas that sneaks up on people. In other words, you can’t see it or smell it. However, radon gas is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking. This means that it is the main cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.

Radon is produced from the decay of uranium present in the soil and rocks. It can find its way into our water, air, and house through the cracks in the floor, walls, or foundation. It becomes dangerous if it accumulates over time.

The EPA estimates that almost 1 to 15 homes in the USA have radon levels higher than normal. If this is the case, consider speeding up the process of calling a professional and having it checked.

 You can order a home testing kit or hire someone for this task. If radon levels are high, contact a specialist with ample experience and degrees to assist you in this case.

Be aware of your family history

Your risk of getting lung cancer can increase twofold if a member of your family, for instance, a parent or a brother or a sister, suffers from lung cancer. This is because of genetics and environmental influences.

If lung cancer runs in your family, let your doctor know. This includes both smokers and nonsmokers. Your doctor might suggest specific screenings to lower your risk.

Diligently avoid hazardous substances

A few chemicals can raise the chances of lung cancer. These include:

●Asbestos

●Arsenic

●Nickel

●Soot

●Cadmium

●Silica

●Diesel exhaust

Exposure to these chemicals increases your chances of getting health ailments, including lung cancer. Most of these chemicals can be found in the workplace. If you have to be around them, make sure to protect yourself and limit your exposure.

Reducing your chances of contracting HIV

HIV is linked to a higher risk of lung cancer. Research shows it may double your risk. This increased risk is due to several factors, such as:

●People with HIV often smoke more.

●HIV causes more inflammation in the body.

●HIV has immunosuppressive effects.

There are several ways you can protect yourself from HIV, and there are lots of resources online one could just look up. Major reasons for contracting HIV include unprotected intercourse and blood transfusions with HIV-infected blood. 

Limit radiation to your chest

High-energy radiation, like X-rays and gamma rays, can be a real troublemaker. They can mess with your DNA and boost your cancer risk. This is something that people seldom think about but should be aware of, especially when undergoing frequent medical imaging.

Certain medical procedures can crank up that risk, including:

●Chest X-rays

●CT scans

●PET scans

●Radiation therapy

But don’t worry; the cancer risk from these procedures is usually low. Still, it's worth chatting with your doctor about safer options, especially if you have other lung cancer risk factors. It's better to be safe than sorry and ensure you’re taking every possible precaution for your health.

Get regular exercise

Exercise might be your new best friend. It can lower your lung cancer risk by up to 50% for men and 30% for women.

Why? The details are still a bit murky, but exercise might help by:

●Boosting lung function

●Improving your immune system

●Cutting down inflammation

●Reducing lung carcinogens

●Enhancing DNA repair

Research is ongoing. Just remember, active folks tend to have lower cancer rates.

Eat a healthy diet

One of the most important weapons in our arsenal for fighting cancer is a healthy diet. To lower your chances of cancer, you will need to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole wheat, and lean meats.

There are some dietary elements that may be of significant benefit, which include:

●Cabbage family of vegetables (which includes broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower)

●Spices such as turmeric

●Drinking green tea

You can take several steps to lower your risk of lung cancer. Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet are all effective. These habits not only reduce cancer risk but also boost your overall health.

If you’re concerned about lung cancer and prevention, talk to your doctor. They might recommend screenings or other methods to help lower your risk.