Lung cancer causes more than 135,000 deaths annually in the U.S. That statistic makes it the deadliest among all cancers.
What's the best way to prevent this deadly cancer? Don't smoke, and if you do, quit.
“Quitting smoking at any age has benefits, no matter how long you have smoked,” said Richard Gillespie, MD, a thoracic surgeon at HonorHealth Heart Care - Heart and Lung Surgery. “Quitting reduces your heart rate, lowers the carbon monoxide levels in your blood, improves blood circulation in your body, and reduces any coughing and shortness of breath. More importantly, it reduces your risk of heart disease, pulmonary diseases, and cancer.”
What are the risk factors for lung cancer?
Although smoking is the most serious lung cancer risk, it's not just traditional tobacco use that's a threat. E-cigarettes also poses a risk and its use among middle and high school students is growing. In fact, e-cigarette use among high school students is higher than tobacco use and even higher than e-cigarette use among adults.
Other factors can affect your chances of developing lung cancer. These secondary risk factors include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Exposure to radon
- Secondhand smoke
- Occupational hazards
Some families have an increased risk of lung cancer, even among those who have never smoked. Having a first-degree relative with lung cancer raises your risk. In addition to family history, secondhand smoke may be a factor if you live in a home with a smoker.
Radon, an odorless gas that is the result of the natural decay of uranium, has been identified as a risk factor for lung cancer. It's most often found in the soil beneath houses and can seep up into a home. Secondhand smoke from fireplaces, campfires and wood-burning stoves is a risk factor as well. Finally, some people work in occupations that increase their risk for lung cancer because of exposure to asbestos, heavy metals, diesel fuel and coal. That risk increases if you smoke.
Should you be screened for lung cancer?
“If any of the above risk factors apply to you, or if you have a family history of lung cancer, talk to your primary care doctor to see if you qualify for a lung cancer screening,” said Dr. Gillespie.
You should also get checked if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss
Screening is recommended if you're in these high-risk groups:
- 20 pack-year smokers between the ages of 50 and 80 who have quit smoking within the last 15 years.
- A pack-year means that you have smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for the last 20 years, two packs a day for the last 15 years, etc.
Do you need help quitting smoking?
“Because smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for lung cancer, it is never too late to quit,” said Dr. Gillespie.
There are several services available to help you stop smoking, including:
- Counseling – Meet with a smoking cessation counselor for support.
- Smoking education class – All aspects of tobacco use are addressed and helpful tips on how you can quit are provided.
- Arizona Smoker’s Helpline – Call 800-556-6222 or visit ashline.org to see if you qualify. If you do, you’ll receive free telephone or web-based coaching, help with setting goals and developing a plan to quit and medication assistance.
Talk to your doctor to find out how you can get started.