Health Tips About Lung Cancer

What should people know about cancer of the lung and bronchus?

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among Americans. The lungs are the organs we use to breathe. The bronchus is one of the two tubes that lead from the windpipe (trachea) to the lung. Lung cancer is known to be caused by smoking. Choosing not to smoke, or stopping smoking, will make it much less likely a person will get lung cancer.

Nationally, lung cancer death rates among men have been declining in recent years, but among women death rates are still increasing slightly.

Who gets lung cancer?

More men than women still get lung cancer. That is because more men than women smoke. But since women started smoking in larger numbers, more women are getting lung cancer.

Among men, lung cancer rates are higher among white and Black men, compared to men who are Asian, Pacific Islander or Hispanic. Non-Hispanic white women have higher lung cancer rates than other racial or ethnic groups. Again, this reflects the smoking patterns of these groups.

What causes lung cancer?

Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer and one that is under our control. Research studies show that exposure to other peoples’ cigarettes (second-hand smoke), exposure to radon gas, and exposure to asbestos also increase the risk for lung cancer.

Other studies show that lung cancer is associated with working with certain chemicals, such as arsenic and chromium. Studies also show a possibility that exposure to silica, substances in foundries, processing coal, and some other chemicals may increase the risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers. An association has also been shown between having a medical history of some lung diseases and getting lung cancer. Diets low in fruits and vegetables might increase the risk of lung cancer among people who smoke. Air pollution may also increase lung cancer risk slightly, but much less than smoking.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting lung cancer?

The most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer is not smoke. If you do smoke, quit. Also, limit your exposure to second-hand smoke and find out whether you should test your home for radon. Increasing the number of fresh fruits and vegetables you eat may also decrease your risk, as well as helping to prevent other diseases. Also, if you work in a high risk job, be aware of the health and safety rules and follow them.