Lung cancer is a serious condition, but there re several straightforward measures you can take to reduce your risk. Here are 5 simple ways to safeguard your lung health and lower your risk of lung cancer.
Lung cancer occurs when the cells present in the lung significantly change their DNA. A cell’s DNA is crucial as it contains certain information that instructs the cell on what to do and what not to do. DNA of the healthy cells gives them detailed instructions on how to grow and multiply at a set pace. Sudden changes in the DNA due to cancer produce too many cells, leading to the formation of a mass called a tumor. The tumor can destroy the healthy tissues in the body. In some cases, cancer cells can outgrow and widespread to other parts of the body. This is called metastatic cancer.
Lung cancer is a serious condition, but there re several straightforward measures you can take to reduce your risk. Here are 5 simple ways to safeguard your lung health and lower your the risk.
Tips to Lower Lung Cancer Risk
- Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the major causes in contributing to lung cancer. Cigarette does much harm to your lungs and increases your chances of developing lung cancer. Smoking can cause lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Cigarette is made with various harmful toxins and chemicals that affect your lungs and overall body. Quitting smoking can be beneficial in improving the quality of your life and well-being.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Your diet should consist of plenty of options such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, lentils, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. Choose food with valuable properties such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, vitamins, fibers, and minerals. Avoid eating packaged, processed, and junk food, instead make healthy food choices to protect your lungs. This may help in protecting your cells from getting damaged and lower the chances of developing cancer.
- Exercise regularly: Maintaining physical health is key to a healthy lifestyle and prevents the risk of lung cancer. One should aim for at least 45 minutes of physical activity or exercise daily for optimal results. This can be achieved by indulging in various activities like cardio, hitting the gym, lifting weights, squatting, swimming, running, cycling, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.
- Regular cancer screening: People with a family history of lung cancer, and smoking for prolonged periods, should consider getting cancer screenings regularly. This can help with early detection of the cancer cells. Early detection can help save lives and lead to timely intervention. Regularly visiting your doctor for follow-up can be effective. Speak to your doctor if you experience difficulties in breathing or respiratory issues. Don’t ignore symptoms such as coughing up blood, hoarseness, chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, poor appetite, and tiredness as these can be the signs of lung cancer.
- Limit chemical exposure: People working in chemical factories, and handling machinery should take utmost care of their lungs and follow safety precautions. This can be achieved by wearing a mask while working to prevent hazardous chemicals from entering their lungs. Working with harmful materials such as asbestos, uranium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel can be life-threatening and people should exercise caution.