Back to TopPrevention
Experts have identified several causes of
lung cancer. Most lung cancers are caused by the use
of tobacco. Changing your lifestyle can, over time, gradually reduce some of
your risk factors for developing lung cancer.
Tobacco
Tobacco use is the leading cause of lung cancer. More than 85% of
lung cancers are caused by smoking.2Secondhand smoke is also a risk factor for lung
cancer.
To prevent lung and other cancers, do not use tobacco. If you do
use tobacco, you can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer by quitting.
Your risk will gradually decrease over 10 to 15 years as your lungs
recover.2 Quitting smoking reduces your risk for
developing cancer and your risk continues to decrease as long as you do not
smoke. The benefit of quitting smoking is greater the younger you quit.3
Even cutting down how much you smoke may reduce your risk (but
not as much as quitting completely). In one study, cutting in half the number
of cigarettes smoked each day significantly reduced the risk of getting lung
cancer during a 5- to 10-year period.4
If you live with a smoker, you have 2 to 3 times the risk of
developing lung cancer compared with a person who lives in a nonsmoking
environment.5 About 25% of nonsmokers who develop lung
cancer probably get it from being exposed to secondhand smoke.3
Several products, such as nicotine gum, medicated nicotine sprays
or inhalers, nicotine patches, and an oral medication (bupropion), are
available to help you to quit smoking. For more information, see the topic
Quitting Tobacco Use.
Other exposure risk factors
Other things that increase your risk of lung cancer include
asbestos and
radon exposure. Certain occupations, such as mining
and farming, expose people to fumes, radioactive dust, or other chemicals that
may be harmful. Taking precautions to reduce your exposure to harmful
substances in your environment can reduce your risk of developing lung
cancer.
Diet
Recent studies on the connection between diet and lung cancer
have shown mixed results. One study shows that eating a diet rich in nutrients
called phytoestrogens may help reduce your risk of lung cancer.17 Phytoestrogens are found in a wide variety of whole grains,
legumes such as chickpeas, vegetables, and soy products. Other research shows
that taking supplements of beta-carotene and other vitamins may actually be
harmful and increase the risk of lung cancer in people who continue to
smoke.18
Chemoprevention
Chemoprevention, which is the use of specific medications to
reverse, suppress, or prevent cancer growth, is being studied for lung cancer.
Chemoprevention has shown some effectiveness in other types of cancers. The
results of several large studies on beta-carotene (a vitamin A derivative) use
show that this vitamin supplement may actually increase the risk for lung
cancer in smokers.18
Researchers and doctors are very interested in vaccines for lung
cancer. So far, a vaccine to prevent or treat lung cancer has not been found,
but research continues.
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