How to Lower Your Risk of Lung Cancer?

Reports have shown that Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.  But how do you know you should see a doctor? Is lung cancer curable? What measures can we take to reduce our chances of getting this disease?

In this article, you will find answers to these questions by Dr. Suresh Advani- the best lung cancer doctor in India.

Lung cancer can be cured if detected in the early stages. Early detection, proper medications, and a few lifestyle changes can cure lung cancer.

For this, it is crucial to see an oncologist if you experience any of the following symptoms.

  • Blood in cough (even a small amount)
  • Unexplained loss in weight
  • Bone pain and Headche
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in the chest

If you are seeing any of these early signs, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Is there anything I can do to avoid Lung Cancer? The answer is YES. There are a few measures that one can take to avoid their chances of getting this disease.

  1. Quit smoking

Smoking is the number 1 cause of lung cancer all over the world. CDC (Centers for disease control and prevention) states that cigarette smoking causes 80-90% of lung cancer deaths. Smoking increases the risk of getting lung cancer by 25.7 times in women and 25 times in men. After 10 years of quitting smoking, you must have reduced your risk of getting cancer by 30-50%.

If you are finding it difficult to quit right away, there are a lot of ways you can try.

  • Try gradually decreasing the number of cigarettes you smoke until you stop.
  • Use a nicotine patch
  • There a lot of nicotine replacement products available in the market, switch to those (Like nicotine tablets).
  • There are centers that can help you quit easily and switch to a better lifestyle.
  • Take professional help. Talk to the best doctor for lung cancer, they might suggest more options to help you quit smoking
  1. Avoid passive/secondhand smoking

Passive or secondhand smoking may not be as bad as smoking but it does expose you to the risk of getting lung cancer.  A CDC article says, that a combination of the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and smoke breathed out by smokers contain up to 7000 toxins, out of which 70 can cause cancer.

Adults who are exposed to secondhand smoking are at risk of getting lung cancer, heart disease, or even stroke.

Children exposed to passive smoking can get ear infections, pneumonia, lower birth weight, respiratory problems, and in extreme cases SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Avoid being in close proximity to people who are smoking at all costs.

  1. A healthy diet and regular exercise

A healthy diet plays a vital role in avoiding cancer. Include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet. Foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients are beneficial. Avoid taking large quantities of vitamins in the form of pills as they can do more harm than good.

Here are 5 foods that are very helpful for the prevention of lung cancer.

  • Cruciferous vegetables (Example: Broccoli) Some researches show that eating cruciferous vegetables can reduce one’s risk of getting lung cancer by 40%.
  • Oranges, Papayas, Peaches, Carrots should be included in your daily diet.
  • Soy foods are great for lung health
  • Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like Salmon are helpful. Vegetarian sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
  • If you smoke or have recently quit, you must include foods rich in folate. Folate, a vitamin B, safeguards the cells from tobacco carcinogens. These include foods like spinach, beans, sprouts, green leafy vegetables, chickpeas, and kidney beans.
  1. Test your house for radon gas

Radon gas is the second most common reason for lung cancer after smoking. It is a radioactive gas that we can’t see or smell. It is released when uranium in the soil and rocks breaks down. It seeps into the water and air. It can enter your home through cracks in the walls and floors.

If you want to test your home for radon gas, you can get a testing kit or call a professional to get the test done.

  1. Screening in case of family history

If someone in your immediate family (parents or siblings) has had cancer, then you are twice as likely to get it as compared to someone with no family history of cancer. Environmental, as well as genetics, play a role in calculating the risk. If you have a family history of cancer, then ensure to take all the steps mentioned above and in case you see any symptoms, immediately consult your doctor for lung cancer. Avoid being with people who smoke, stay away from carcinogens at work and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Do not forget to inform your doctor about the family history of cancer.