Lung cancer cannot always be prevented. But there are ways you can lower your risk. We are still learning about risk factors and how to decrease the chance of getting lung cancer. At GO2 for Lung Cancer, we’re committed to cracking the code on what contributes to a lung cancer diagnosis. Learn more about our research, including our Epidemiology of Young Lung Cancer study and the INHERIT study.
Ways to reduce your lung cancer risk
Cigarette smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke are 2 of the leading causes of lung cancer.
Nicotine dependence is real and quitting smoking is hard—very hard. Most people who smoke would like to quit, and many try multiple times before they succeed. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do to improve your long-term health and the best way we know to lessen your risk of developing lung cancer. Plus, it lessens the risk for your loved ones who may otherwise be exposed to second-hand smoke.
Avoiding or quitting smoking
While quitting is hard, there are resources available to help you succeed. Research shows that the most effective method to quit smoking is to combine medication treatment with counseling. Together, they work much better than either method on its own.
There are over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) available:
- Nicotine patch
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine lozenges
There are also prescription medications available, such as varenicline or bupropion, that can be used on their own or in combination with NRT.
If you’re interested in quitting smoking the first step to take is to talk to your healthcare provider and discuss which medication is a good option for you. They can help you find a counselor to help guide you through your cessation experience. There is also:
- The national tobacco cessation quitline, which welcomes callers from anywhere in the United States. Just call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) to get started.
- Digital smoking cessation smartphone apps and online tools. These can include message boards to connect with others trying to quit, as well as programs that send you encouraging notes. Examples of these resources include the Truth Initiative, SmokeFree.gov, and BecomeAnEx.org.
Looking for more information on quitting? Download GO2 for Lung Cancer’s free brochure, Why Quit Now, to learn more about the benefits of quitting and advice on how to get started.
Avoiding secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke is the third most common cause of lung cancer in the United States. Even brief exposure to smoke from tobacco products can cause serious health problems. Secondhand smoke exposure occurs when people breathe in smoke exhaled by people who are smoking or from breathing in the smoke from burning cigarettes or other commercial or home rolled/roll-your-own tobacco products. Try to avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible.
Additional prevention resources
Radon
Radon is thought to be the second-leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoke. Testing your home’s radon levels can be done with a simple at-home test and is an important first step to reducing your lung cancer risk. Learn more about how to reduce radon levels in your home.
Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos can also lead to lung cancer. People are typically exposed in certain jobs, such as aluminum production and steel founding, or because they live in older homes that were built with asbestos as insulation or in the roofing cement. If you think you have asbestos in your home, there are testing kits and companies that can safely remove the toxin from your residence. You can search online for asbestos removal companies in your area.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find more resources and support?
Contact the GO2 HelpLine at 1-800-298-2436 or email support@go2.org to connect with caring and highly trained staff who listen, answer your questions, and provide support. We offer many free programs and educational resources to meet your needs.
What are the ways to prevent lung cancer?
We are still learning about ways to decrease the risk for lung cancer, but the best way we know right now is to not smoke or quit if you currently smoke and to test your home for radon.
Why should I get help to quit smoking?
There are some people who can quit on their own, but the vast majority are more successful with help from evidence-based cessation services, like the quitline, a healthcare professional or trained tobacco treatment specialist, and/or FDA-approved cessation medication.
Will I continue to be dependent on nicotine if I take cessation medications?
When used as recommended or prescribed, these medications will help manage nicotine withdrawal and ease the quitting process. Some people continue to use nicotine replacement therapy after quitting to prevent relapse, which is safer than continuing to smoke cigarettes or have cigarette smoke exposure.