Video:Tips for Preventing Lung Cancer

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Transcript:Tips for Preventing Lung Cancer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lung cancer kills more people than any other form of cancer. Despite its deadly impact, there is a ray of hope.

Steps for Preventing Lung Cancer

There are steps you can take to potentially lower your risk of getting this devastating disease. The number one risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. If you are a smoker, quitting immediately is the best thing you can possibly do. If you are not a smoker, be sure to avoid secondhand smoke as any exposure to smoke carries risk. A lesser-known risk is radon gas, so be sure to get your home tested and take corrective measures when appropriate.

Actions to Take for Preventing Lung Cancer

Then, there are things that seem good for you but actually aren't. While eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is a good way to help prevent any type of cancer, there are supplements that should actually be avoided. The American College of Chest Physicians, known as the ACCP, reports there is actually a higher incidence of lung cancer among people who take beta carotene supplements. It is also recommended that Vitamin A be avoided by smokers for the same reason.In returning to risk factors, chest radiation is another activity to avoid. In fact, the ACCP opposes the use of even low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening. Additional risk factors include age and chronic conditions, such as bronchitis or emphysema. While none of us can avoid aging, certain health problems can be treated.

Being proactive is another good tip to reduce the risk of lung cancer and there are several things you can do to boost lung health. These include undertaking regular cardiovascular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavily polluted air and taking good care of your gums and teeth. In fact, researchers at the University of New York at Buffalo suggest that there’s actually a direct correlation between gum disease and poor lung function. Finally, drinking white wine in moderation seems to be beneficial for your lungs, according to some recent studies. Red wine for the heart, white wine for the lungs… decisions, decisions. I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.