Lung Cancer

The following lifestyle changes have been studied in connection with lung cancer.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking is universally acknowledged to be the leading cause of lung cancer, both in the United States and worldwide. By far the most important way to reduce the risk of lung cancer is to not smoke.⁶⁶

Passive smoke

Many studies now show that exposure to passive smoke—the cigarette smoke from others’ cigarettes—significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.⁶⁷ As non-smoking sections of restaurants have nearly the same level of smoke as do the smoking sections, it makes sense to seek restaurants that do not permit any smoking and to avoid bars unless they are also non-smoking establishments.

Other inhalant pollution

Inhalant exposure to diesel exhaust, pitch and tar, dioxin, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, and nickel compounds may also increase the risk of lung cancer.⁶⁶ Exposure to asbestos is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.

Radon exposure has been reported to contribute to the risk of lung cancer in the general population.⁶⁹ Radon, a natural radioactive substance, can leak into basements from the surrounding soil. Radon exposure can also occur from the water system of houses, particularly when people take showers. Underground miners are also exposed to varying amounts of radioactivity from radon.