How to Prevent Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a leading killer in the United States and many other countries. As of today, there is still no surefire way to cure lung cancer. However, there are steps that you can take to prevent it. Here are the ways you can prevent lung cancer.
Quit Smoking
87% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Even the worst chain smoker can cut the risk of lung cancer by 50% if he or she quits early. Quitting smoking has other health benefits too, both inside your body and your appearances. Your lungs will definitely thank you for it.
In addition to this, avoid places that will expose you to secondhand smoke. If you’re in a place where smoking isn’t allowed and someone is still smoking, go ahead and tell that person to stop smoking immediately. It’s your health on the line, here!
Eat Healthy
Eating the right food can lead the way to a healthy body and healthy cells. Food rich in antioxidants and flavonoids make cells healthy and prevent cell breakdown. Doctors recommend five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, with the following food item recommendations:
Berries like strawberries, raspberries and bluberries
Apples
Onions
Tomatoes
Melons
Dark green leafy vegetables
Mangoes
Beta carotenes are also touted to be a food element that can fight cancer off. Here are some food that are rich in beta carotene:
Peaches
Mangoes
Pears
Melon
Squash
Sweet potatoes
Pumpkins
Green leafy vegetables
Taking the recommended amounts of Vitamin C and Selenium also help with keeping your body strong enough to ward off lung cancer.
Know Your Environment
Your home and work environment are two places that you are most exposed in. So make sure that they are not exposing you to toxins that can cause lung cancer.
In homes, test for radon. Radon is a result of broken-down uranium. This cannot be detected by sight, smell or taste. Soil may have uranium particles, and you can be exposed to radon without knowing it, so have it tested.
Learn if you are being exposed to toxic materials in your workplace. If your environment exposes you to dust, fumes and chemicals, you have to know what chemicals are in them. Gasoline, exhaust, diesel, mustard gas and others are all considered carcinogens which can cause lung cancer.
Know Your Family’s Medical History
Lung cancer have a genetic factor, so an ancestor or a relative can be a hint of your own susceptibility to this disease. Learn about the cases within your family early on, so you can start with your own preventative measures early on.
Routine Checkups
Lung cancer, like all cancers, can be treated more effectively if spotted earlier. A yearly routine of chest x-rays could help keep you updated on the condition of your lungs. This is recommended especially if you have a family history of lung cancer.