What can I do to prevent lung cancer?

What can I do to prevent lung cancer?

Jay M. Lee (Surgical Director, Thoracic Oncology Program, UCLA) gives expert video advice on: Does lung cancer run in families?; Is it true aspirin can help prevent lung cancer?; Can nutrition help prevent lung cancer? and more...

Lung cancer prevention can be looked at by observing the risk factors, and causes for lung cancer. By far, smoking is the number one cause, so smoking cessation would be the obvious thing to do. Other things to prevent lung cancer would be, for instance, Radon exposure, which is a radioactive gas that's present. The Environmental Protection Agency has certain levels that it's determined is associated with enhancing lung cancer. There are kits that are sold and you can measure radon and gas levels in buildings and homes. And finally, second hand exposure, can also cause lung cancer from other smokers; so avoid other smokers. Work related carcinogens such as asbestos, is another problematic cause. There are clear guidelines to deal with asbestos and special equipment that's required, so understanding that and educating yourself in how to deal with asbestos exposure is important. And although asbestos is currently banned in the United States, it was used for many years and it's still present particularly in older buildings and homes.