News and Tips

Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer in the United States. Dr. Ramo says the five-year survival rate for a lung cancer diagnosis is only 20%. You have a higher chance of survival if you can catch lung cancer early, so are you eligible for a screening?

You are a candidate for lung cancer screening if

• You are between the ages of 50 and 80 and

• You’ve smoked at least 20 pack-years* and

• You’ve quit within the last 15 years, or you smoke now.

Dr. Ramo talks about lung cancer screening on KOAT’s HealthBeat.

Why not screen everyone?

Even though lung cancer is serious, there are risks associated with screening that limit who it best serves.

The lung cancer screening involves radiation, which is carcinogenic, meaning screening for cancer can increase the risk of cancer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention explains that a false-positive in lung cancer screening may result in additional radiation and procedures that do more harm than good. Therefore, it’s crucial to weigh the risks and benefits of lung cancer screening.

What can I do to prevent lung cancer?

If you don’t fit within these guidelines for lung cancer screening, what do you need to be aware of today to protect your lungs tomorrow?

Don’t smoke

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, causing around 80-90% of cases, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Because vaping is newer, there is less data out there about the long-term effects. However, it is confirmed that e-cigarettes do contain carcinogens. The best thing you can do for your lung health is to quit smoking, and there are many free and paid resources to help.

Even if you do not smoke, you need to be aware of secondhand smoke. When people smoke, the chemicals from the cigarette linger on clothes, cars, and can even seep between walls. Secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, and developmental issues in children.

Radon

Radon, a radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer. If you inhale radon, those radioactive particles can do serious damage inside your lungs. Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so you need to test for it. You can buy a test kit from a hardware store or have your home professionally tested.

Air pollution

The tubes that carry oxygen to our lungs terminate in tiny air sacs called alveoli. Tiny blood vessels called capillaries wrap around the alveoli and absorb oxygen from the lungs and expel carbon dioxide back into the lungs. Some particles in our air are small enough to reach the alveoli, and some are even small enough to pass through into the blood vessels.

When these particles reach the alveoli, they can irritate the membrane and make the gas exchange process harder for your body. Certain particles, like asbestos, nickel, coal, exhaust, and arsenic, are carcinogens and linked to lung cancer. If you work in construction, mining, manufacturing, or a job where you may be exposed to chemicals, ensure you have the proper protective equipment. Other air particles like mold, incense, chemicals from air fresheners, and incense can also irritate your lungs.

Other ways to keep your lungs strong

Vaccinations

Getting vaccinated against respiratory diseases is one of the best ways you can protect your lungs, especially if you already have pulmonary issues like COPD or asthma.

Respiratory diseases include COVID-19, the flu, RSV, whooping cough, tetanus, and pneumococcal. Any of these conditions could turn into pneumonia and cause lung damage, and if you do have a chronic lung condition, symptoms of a respiratory infection could be exacerbated.

Drink water

Your lungs have a mucus lining that can help trap some of the particles that might irritate your lungs. However, when you are dehydrated, the mucus lining becomes thicker, making it more difficult for you to cough back up the irritant. The American Lung Association has a helpful animation to understand this process. Drinking water helps keep your mucus lining thin.

Exercise is always a good idea

It wouldn’t be a New Heart blog without mentioning what exercise can do for you. Regular exercise makes your muscles more efficient, meaning they require less oxygen to do the same job, reducing the demand on your lungs. There are also specific exercises you can do that target your diaphragm — the primary muscle involved in breathing.