Reducing Your Risk of Lung Cancer

Main Page Risk Factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Screening Reducing Your Risk Talking to Your Doctor Living With Lung Cancer Resource Guide

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.

Learn about cancer—non-small cell. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/lrn/lrn%5F0.asp . Accessed October 7, 2008.
Learn about cancer—small cell. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/lrn/lrn%5F0.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.