Although smoking is the main contributor to causing lung cancer, and giving-up the habit is an important factor in the prevention of it. There are still some other preventative measures that a person can be take.

1. Smoking in the leading cause of lung cancer, as it is responsible for between 80% and 90% of all diagnosed lung cancer cases. However, it is never to late to give-up smoking, as the benefits to the body are almost immediate. Within the first 30 minutes of smoking the last cigarette, the blood pressure lowers itself to a normal level again, together with the carbon monoxide in the lungs. After three months, the bodies 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 a further five years, the risk of a heart attack also reduces to that of a non-smoker.

2. Second-hand smoke is the cause of over 3000 new cases of lung cancer every year in the USA alone. Although new anti-smoking laws have made it a lot easier to avoid second-hand smoke in public, at home, it may be more difficult to avoid. People who live with smokers, are 30% more at risk of developing some degree of lung cancer, than people who live with non-smokers. When in public places, such as restaurants, coffee shops, or bars, where smoking may still be permitted, it is always advisable to look for the “non-smoking” signs, and head for those areas immediately. When in the home, it is advisable to either 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. Precaution should always be taken when either, cleaning, working on the car, or carrying out DIY jobs around the home. When using certain types of cleaning materials, paints, or solvents, it is always advisable as a precautionary measure to check the back of the packaging for any warning labels before using them. Always use appropriate protection, covering both the mouth and the nose when using such materials.

4. Recent studies have also shown that eating a large variety of fruits and vegetables may also contribute to reducing the risks of developing lung cancer. Fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of natural fibers, minerals and vitamins, which help prevent cancer. Eating salads and steam-cooked vegetables are two excellent ways of retaining all the benefits that these fruits and vegetables contain. Dark green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli are especially recommended, as are tomatoes, red apples and nuts. Drinking natural juices, rather than sodas and other artificial beverages, have also been found to help reduce the risks too.

Source by Philip A Edmonds-Hunt