4 tips to prevent lung cancer
Although smoking is the main contributor to lung cancer, quitting is an important factor in preventing it. There are still some other preventive measures that a person can take.
1. Smoking is the first cause of lung cancer, since it is responsible for between 80% and 90% of all diagnosed cases of lung cancer. However, it is never too late to quit smoking, since the benefits for the body are almost immediate. Within the first 30 minutes of smoking the last cigarette, blood pressure drops back to a normal level, along with carbon monoxide in the lungs. After three months, the body’s circulation also returns to that of a non-smoker. After ten years, the risk of developing lung cancer is reduced by about 50%, and after another five years, the risk of a heart attack is also reduced to that of a non-smoker.
2. Secondhand smoke is the cause of more than 3,000 new cases of lung cancer each year in the US alone. Although new anti-smoking laws have made it much easier to avoid secondhand smoke in public, at home it may be harder to avoid. People who live with smokers have a 30% higher risk of developing some degree of lung cancer than people who live with non-smokers. When you are in public places, such as restaurants, cafes, or bars, where smoking is still permitted, it is always a good idea to look for “no smoking” signs and head to those areas immediately. When you’re at home, it’s a good idea to open a window when someone is smoking in the room or ask the smoker to smoke outside.
3. At home, it is also possible to be exposed to dangerous elements when using certain types of cleaning materials. Caution should always be exercised when cleaning, working on the car, or doing DIY work around the home. When certain types of cleaning materials, paints or solvents are used, it is always advisable, as a precaution, to check the back of the packaging for warning labels before use. Always use adequate protection that covers both the mouth and the nose when using these types of materials.
4. Recent studies have also shown that eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables can also help reduce the risks of developing lung cancer. Fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of natural fiber, minerals and vitamins, which help prevent cancer. Eating salads and steamed vegetables are two great ways to preserve all the benefits that these fruits and vegetables contain. Dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are especially recommended, as are tomatoes, red apples, and walnuts. Drinking natural juices, rather than sodas and other artificial beverages, has also been found to help reduce risks.
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