Lung Cancer Prevention
Does lung cancer run in families?
There are current studies looking at whether there is an association of lung cancer and a family history. Some data would suggest that there is a link, however, this remains investigational in an area that's controversial.
What can I do to prevent lung cancer?
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.
What is 'chemoprevention'?
Chemoprevention is an effort to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. There are various drugs that are targeted with the hope that they would reduce lung cancer development. In smokers, despite smoking cessation, the risk of developing lung cancer persists, even as far out as 30 years of smoking cessation. In order to intervene in these high risk patients, whether they be former smokers or current smokers, we need medications and drugs that will intervene and reduce the risk of lung cancer, and this is the entire effort for chemoprevention.
Is it true aspirin can help prevent lung cancer?
In a number of epidemiologic case control studies, aspirin has been shown to reduce cancer development. Aspirin is a type of drug called an NSAID, which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and lung cancer as well as other types of cancers has been shown to have a reduced incidence amongst current smokers and former smokers.
Can nutrition help prevent lung cancer?
Nutrition can impact on cancer development. The National Cancer Institute makes certain guidelines and recommendations about how one can reduce the risk of cancer overall. And these things would include reducing fatty food intake, whether it be saturated or unsaturated fats, and maintaining an ideal body weight. Consumption of certain minerals, such as Vitamin A, C and E has been shown to potentially have preventative effects. Finally, alcohol consumption should be reduced. And all of these things are true, not only for lung cancer, but moreso for cancer development overall.
What are 'statins'?
Statins are cholesterol lowering drugs. They are commonly used in the treatment of heart disease. Statins currently are being studied for cancer development and whether they have a preventative role.
How effective are statins in preventing lung cancer?
Statins have been shown to have promising and potential effects in chemo-prevention, meaning preventing and reducing the risk of cancer development. In a recent study, this was a retrospective case control study that was recently reported, and statins have shown to reduce the risk by 55%. That study has limitations and it warrants validation with better studies with prospective randomized trials, so until then it's unclear if statins should be recommended currently. It's really being investigated, but certainly there's potential that it may have a preventative role.
