Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are not limited to preventing the development of lung cancer. Dieting and exercising are good for improving a person’s overall health. 

Studies have shown that eating foods rich in antioxidants and phytoestrogens may contribute to lung cancer prevention. However, evidence does not show that eating these foods can protect people in the high risk category of lung cancer.

Eating a variety of legumes, soy products and whole grains can have a positive effect. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli also have added value. In some cases, taking vitamin E may prevent lung cancer.

In addition to healthy eating habits, some studies present mixed results on how exercising lowers a person’s risk.

Tobacco

The leading cause of lung cancer is from tobacco use. This may include smoking cigarettes or cigars and pipe smoking. A high percentage of lung cancer diagnoses are the result of smoking. A person can reduce his or her risks for lung cancer by quitting smoking. Risks decrease over time as the lungs recover from years of tobacco smoke. The younger the person is when quitting, the greater the benefit.

For some people, simply decreasing daily smoking by half reduces the risk. However, smoking less does not lower a person’s risk as much as cessation.

There are smoking cessation products on the market to help smokers quit. Products such as nicotine patches, gum or inhalers and oral medicines can aid smokers.

Environmental Factors

Smoking or poor eating habits are not the only ways a person may develop lung cancer. In some cases, a person may develop lung cancer from certain environmental factors. Exposure to asbestos or radon in the work environment has caused mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that affects the lung and chest cavity.

Working in a mine, for example, exposes people to harmful chemicals, fumes and radioactive dust that affect the lungs. Precautions on the job may help to reduce or prevent lung cancer.

Exposure to radon, a radioactive gas in rocks and soil, might cause lung cancer. Radon can be found in houses from cracks in the foundation, walls or floors.

A person who does not smoke is also susceptible to lung cancer. Secondhand smoke is another environmental factor that causes lung cancer. Non-smokers who are around smokers breathe in the same toxic chemicals and nicotine. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the amount of exposure.

Early Diagnosis

Perhaps one of the most important lung cancer prevention methods is early diagnosis. Treatment during the early stage of lung cancer might prevent spreading to the lymph nodes. Ongoing studies exist to determine which tests may either prevent or increase the survival rate of lung cancer.