Lung Cancer Prevention

Lung cancer symptoms usually do not appear until advanced stages of development. When lung cancer is diagnosed early, it is often from the results of tests for other medical conditions. Experts have identified several causes of lung cancer, including smoking tobacco and exposure to radon and asbestos, among others. As a result of these findings, a variety of preventative steps are advised to avoid lung cancer illnesses.

Asbestos Exposure

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air. Serious health problems can arise if these fibers are inhaled into the lungs. Excessive or continued amounts of asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer, as well as asbestosis (a progressive pulmonary disorder) and mesothelioma (the most common form of cancer caused by asbestos). Those exposed to asbestos who have ever smoked cigarettes are at an even greater risk of developing lung cancer, as the combination of the two toxins has a synergistic effect. This synergism can increase a person's risk of contracting lung cancer by 84 times or more.

Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal type of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells found in the body. It can take decades for an asbestos-related condition to appear, and when it does, mesothelioma treatment is often more palliative than curative. A study published in 2001, which reviewed the risks of lung cancer from occupational and environmental causes, found that nearly 4 percent of all lung cancers diagnosed in the United States come from asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was used in hundreds of products, including insulation, building materials, and clothing. The first step towards preventing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions is to avoid the toxic substance altogether. If asbestos-containing materials are intact, they usually present little to no health hazards. However, if these materials are damaged or"friable," they should be removed from the home immediately. Asbestos removal should always be carried out through a licensed abatement company to ensure safety and all necessary precautions are followed.

Tobacco

Smoking is the No. 1 risk factor for lung cancer patients. It is estimated that nearly 90 percent of all lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. The decision not to smoke or to quit smoking is the best defense against lung cancer. Even lessening tobacco use can reduce the risks, but not as much as quitting completely. In one study, cutting the number of cigarettes smoked each day in half significantly reduced the risk of developing lung cancer.

Nonsmokers living with smokers are two to three times more likely to develop lung cancer compared to a person who lives in a nonsmoking environment. An estimated 25 percent of nonsmokers who develop lung cancer actually get it from being exposed to secondhand smoke. Products such as nicotine gum, medicated nicotine sprays or inhalers, and nicotine patches are available for those who need help to quit smoking.

Smokers who have been exposed to asbestos are at an even higher risk of developing lung cancer, as their risk of contracting the disease increases by 50 to 84 times. In addition, those who smoke and have experienced asbestos exposure are at a greater risk of developing both asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Diet

Changing parts of your lifestyle can reduce some of the risk factors for developing lung cancer. Studies show that a diet rich in fruit, and possibly vegetables, may help lower the risk of lung cancer, while heavy alcohol drinking may increase the risk of lung cancer. In addition, people who are physically active may also lower their risk of developing lung cancer than those who are not, even after taking cigarette smoking into account.

Chemoprevention

Chemoprevention is the use of specific natural or man-made medications to reverse, suppress, or prevent cancer growth. Although chemoprevention has shown effectiveness in other types of cancers, it is still an area of active clinical research and has yet to become a standard therapy option for lung cancer. So far, a vaccine to prevent or treat lung cancer has not been found, but doctors remain interested and research continues.

Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas released from the decay of uranium in rocks and soil. It is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that seeps up through the ground and diffuses into the air. Radon can enter homes through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, and collects indoors when homes are well insulated, tightly sealed, or built on uranium-rich soil. It can also be released from building materials.

When inhaled, radon's radioactive particles can damage the cells that line the lungs. Long-term exposure to radon often leads to lung cancer, which is the only cancer proven to be associated with the substance. Because the presence of radon is difficult to determine, testing is the only way to know if a home has elevated radon levels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends taking action to reduce radon in homes that have a radon level at or above four picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for patients with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, only 11 to 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years. The American Cancer Society recommends that people who were affiliated with smoking, or have worked around materials that increase the risk for lung cancer, be well aware of their continued lung cancer risk. These individuals should talk with doctors about the likelihood of developing lung cancer and about the potential benefits of lung cancer screening.

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