Reducing Your Risk

Reducing Your Risk of Lung Cancer

by Debra Wood, RN

Avoid Exposure to Cancer-Causing Substances

Avoiding exposure to cancer-causing substances will decrease your risk of developing lung cancer. Suggestions include:

  • Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit. Your risk of lung cancer decreases markedly and by 15 years is equal to that of non-smokers.
  • Avoid places where people are smoking.
  • Test your home for radon gases and asbestos. If these substances are in your home, have them removed.
  • Use protective gear if you must work around asbestos or other occupational hazards.

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References:

Learn about cancer—non-small cell. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp . Accessed October 7, 2008.
Learn about cancer—small cell. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp . Accessed October 7, 2008.
Lung cancer. American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lungusa.org/ . Accessed October 7, 2008.
Lung cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/lung . Accessed October 7, 2008.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Last Updated: 09/26/2012