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Preventive Care

Keep Your Lungs Clear of Cancer

Although lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer, it is by far the leading cause of cancer deaths every year, accounting for about 20%. In fact, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 235,000 new cases of lung cancer in 2024. Additionally, it will kill more than 125,000 people.

Thankfully, new cases have been on the decline along with the number of lung cancer deaths due to a decrease in smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause of death by lung cancer. Here’s how to best protect your lungs and keep them clear of cancer.

Smoker Woman

Who Is at Risk?

Lung cancer usually occurs in older adults. Most diagnoses are for individuals age 65+, with the average age being 70. While possible, it is rare for lung cancer to develop in people younger than 45.

Smokers of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are at the highest risk of developing lung cancer. Next are people who have been exposed to chemicals like radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other workplace chemicals.

When we say, “higher risk,” we mean people who may be vulnerable due to some combination of lifestyle or family history. However, having several risk factors does not automatically mean someone will get the disease. Also, sometimes people with no risk factors can get a disease, as well. That’s why it’s so important to work with your doctor and get regular screenings.

Ways to Protect Yourself

Lung cancer has been called one of the most preventable cancers because 80% to 90% of cases are related to smoking. So, to reduce risk:

  1. Quit smoking or never start — There are no safe cigarettes and preliminary research shows vaping and e-cigarettes are just as bad if not worse.
  2. Avoid secondhand smoke — Stay away from smokers. Breathing in their smoke isn’t good for you.
  3. Test your home for radon — This naturally occurring gas from dirt and rocks can get trapped in buildings. Tests are available at home improvement stores and the California Department of Public Health makes free radon testing kits available.
  4. Get tested if you’re at risk — If you smoked, have a history of lung cancer in your family, or worked around industrial chemicals, talk to your doctor about the risks. Early detection can be lifesaving. 
  5. Eat a well-balanced diet — A healthy diet that’s low in sugars and fats but high in whole grain, lean protein, and fresh produce can also reduce your risks for heart disease, diabetes, a variety of other cancers, and so much more.

Breathe Easier

It helps to have a good relationship with your health care provider. We can connect you with a doctor who is focused on you and can provide you a lifetime of care, including the proper screenings to check for diseases like lung cancer. Depending on your personal and family health histories, your doctor may recommend additional screenings.

Contact AltaMed for more information about the health screenings you need at (888) 499-9303.

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Keep Your Lungs Clear of Cancer