Everything You Need to Know to Prevent Lung Cancer

Did you know that lung cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Malaysian men? According to statistics by the World Health Organization, it is also one of the leading cancers ranked by deaths of Malaysian men in 2022.

Lung cancer is an uncontrollable growth of cells which begins in the lungs and which may spread to other parts of your body, such as your lymph nodes, organs and even your brain.

In an effort to raise awareness November has been designated as Lung Cancer Awareness Month and unlike breast cancer where a Pink Ribbon is used, lung cancer utilises a White Ribbon. Awareness is doubly important as approximately 95% of patients in Malaysia received their lung cancer diagnosis too late, often when it has reached stage three or stage four, leading to treatment being more challenging, expensive, and less effective.

Besides awareness, identifying the risk factors are equally important. Let’s find out how you can reduce your own risk of developing lung cancer:

What are the risk factors of lung cancer?

Research has shown that these few risk factors may increase your chances of developing lung cancer:

Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the top risk factor for lung cancer. It is 15 to 30 times more likely for cigarette smokers to develop or die from lung cancer compared to non-smokers. Your risk of getting lung cancer is higher even if you smoke a few cigarettes a day or even if you are an occasional or social smoker. The risk of individuals who quit smoking developing lung cancer is lower than if they continued to smoke, but the risk of getting lung cancer is still higher than those who have never smoked before. Cigarette smoking can also lead to cancer spreading to almost any part of the body and may even cause acute myeloid leukaemia.
Secondhand smoke: If you’re a non-smoker but are constantly exposed to secondhand smoke, you are unfortunately at risk of developing lung cancer as well. The risk of non-smoking adults exposed to secondhand smoke getting lung cancer is increased by 20-30%, as they breathe in a lot of the same cancer-causing substances and poisons that smokers are exposed to. What may shock you is that even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can harm your body’s cells in ways that start the development of cancer. Just like smoking, prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke causes you to be more prone to lung cancer.
Personal or family history of lung cancer: If you are a lung cancer survivor who resumes smoking, there is a risk of relapse. The risk of developing lung cancer may also increase if your parents, siblings, or children have had lung cancer as there is a genetic element involved.
Chest radiotherapy: Cancer survivors who have undergone this treatment as also at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Diet: Researchers are investigating the potential associated foods and dietary supplements in regards to lung cancer risk. However, there is still a lot we need to know about. One such finding is that smokers who take beta-carotene supplements appear to have a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Environment: Air pollution and workplace hazards such as exposure to chemicals or asbestos has also been linked to lung cancer risk. If such environments cannot be avoided, take the necessary precautions.

How do I prevent myself from getting lung cancer?

Spoiler alert, you can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer with a few lifestyle changes. The outcome from these lifestyle changes will not only reduce your cancer risk, but also yield positiove results towards your overall health.

Quit smoking: Smoking kills you over time, and if you smoke, quitting is the best way to prevent yourself from developing lung cancer and other health problems. Every year that you don’t smoke reduces your risk of developing lung cancer and severe illnesses. After avoiding smoking for 12 years, the possibility of getting lung cancer drops to more than half of an active smoker. Once you stop smoking for 15 years, your possibility of getting lung cancer is approximately the same as a non-smoker. So quit immediately.
A well-balanced diet: According to research, consuming a low-fat, high-fibre diest, which includes a minimum of 5 portions of fresh fruit and vegetables along with lots of wholegrains per day, can lower your risk of getting lung cancer, as well as various types of cancer and heart disease too.
Get some exercise: Regular exercise has shown some evidence of potentially reducing the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in active smokers or ex-smokers. Moreover, engaging in physical exercise may aid in reducing symptoms such as tiredness, anxiety, and depression. Most adults are recommended to engage in a minimum amount of 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly. Include strength-training exercises at least twice weekly for added benefits.

Despite the various risk factors that lead to lung cancer, smoking is still the main risk factor that causes this disease. If you’re a smoker, maybe it’s a good time to put down that cigarette. It can be tough to quit a smoking addiction, but consulting your GP can prove invaluable. You can also talk to your loved ones, friends, or your local helpline if you need emotional support and if you know of a loved one or a friend with a smoking addiction, please help him or her in any form they need to battle their addiction. Lung cancer can be fatal.

When it comes to a point where you, a loved one, or a friend has lung cancer, the reality can be hard to accept. This is where PruBSN aspires to help lift the financial and emotional burden off your shoulders by introducing

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