Can Changes to Lifestyle Reduce the Chances of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer?

The lungs are an integral part of the body. Without functioning lungs, there’s simply no way to maintain life. These wonderful organs are responsible for bringing in oxygen, providing it to red blood cells and then removing the waste gas carbon dioxide as it is produced by the body.

Unfortunately, like many parts of the body, lungs are prone to cancers. Growth of irregular cells in the lungs can damage their ability to perform their natural functions. The most common types of lung cancers are non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). This group of cancers accounts for somewhere around 85% of all cases of diagnosed lung cancer. Information abounds about cancer, but the actual cause of cancer often remains unknown. Quite simply, if there’s something that can be done to try to prevent getting cancer in the first place, it needs to be taken advantage of.

Risk Factors of NSCLC 

When talking about the risk factors that can develop non-small-cell lung carcinoma, there’s one that comes to the forefront. People who smoke are far more likely to develop lung cancer. This is especially true for some of the forms of non-small-cell lung carcinoma. Small-cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are both forms of NSCLC that are absolutely overwhelmingly contracted by people who are smokers. This is not to say that all smokers will get lung cancer, but the risk is huge. The third main type of NSCLC is Adenocarcinoma, which has a higher proportion of non smokers, but is still vastly contracted by smokers. 

There are also some other risk factors that can lead to someone getting NSCLC. Some people can be exposed to dangerous situations when they work or due to accidents. Radon gas exists in the earth and can sometimes seep into homes. People may be exposed to chromium, asbestos or nickel, which can increase the chances of developing forms of lung cancer as well. 

It’s good to note as well that people are more susceptible to cancer in all forms as they age. That combined with the risk people have if their family has had lung cancer in the past can make certain elderly people high risk. 

Lifestyle Options

After reading through the risk factors, there should be one clear thing that can be done to help reduce the potential of getting NSCLC. It’s all about smoking. Since so many of the people who get NSCLC are found to be smokers, it’s obvious that avoiding this habit is crucial. People who are considering smoking need to take a second thought. People who consistently are exposed to secondhand smoke need to try to get their exposure down by getting their friends and family to quit. Essentially, people who smoke need to stop smoking to reduce the chances of NSCLC. 

Quitting smoking is very difficult. The addictive nature of smoking is hard to beat, but there are plenty of methods to try. Speaking with a doctor can help find a system that may work for individuals. 

There are also some other lifestyle options that can assist in being preventative in cases of lung cancer. These are two fairly simple options. The first is eating a healthy diet that’s high in nutrients and vitamins. This will often mean eating large amounts of vegetables and fruit. In addition, exercise is a must. It’s good to start out slow, but the goal has to be exercising every week. People who have never been members of a gym can continue joining. It’s very possible that a little extra push can have some benefits in lung health.