Lung cancer prevention measures

This is an automatically translated article.

Although it is difficult to determine the exact cause of lung cancer, especially in people who develop lung cancer without any known risk factors. However, there are a number of lifestyle factors that increase the risk of developing lung cancer, and on that basis, we will have a way to prevent this disease.

1. What you should know about preventing lung cancer

Lung cancer is a common cancer in men and women. It is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Singapore with 27.1% of cancer deaths in men and 16.6% in women. It's important to understand that there are a number of modifiable health and lifestyle factors that can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer.

2. Smoking - the main cause of lung cancer

While there are many different risk factors for lung cancer, including age, alcohol consumption, obesity, exposure to toxins such as asbestos, and a history of lung disease. Cigarette smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers. The risk of lung cancer increases with each cigarette you smoke, but by stopping smoking, your risk of lung cancer is reduced by up to 90%.
Secondhand smoke is also a major risk factor for lung cancer in non-smokers. It is important to note that continued exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer.
Smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer when compared to non-smokers. It is estimated that lung cancer cases caused by smoking account for 90% of all cases in men and 65% in women. Passive smokers are non-smokers at an increased risk of inhaling the smoke of others. Living with a smoker can increase the risk of lung cancer by about 20-30%.
Exposure to asbestos and other toxins - people who have been exposed to asbestos (commonly used in building materials) and other toxins such as radon (a radioactive gas used in the mining industry) ) have a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

3. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important

There are several lifestyle factors that you can control to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. These include exercising regularly, eating a healthy and balanced diet, reducing alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight.
If you have cancer or other medical conditions, it's important to talk to your doctor to make sure you continue to exercise safely and appropriately. Regular exercise can boost energy levels and improve your immune system to keep you healthy.

4. Health is always a top priority

As you get older, your risk of developing lung cancer increases. For people aged 40 and older, the risk of lung cancer is higher. This is why you should regularly visit your doctor and order an annual lung exam if you are over 55 years old and if you are at risk for lung cancer.
Although early stage lung cancer often has no obvious symptoms, it is important to pay attention to changes in your body. Symptoms are usually a persistent cough that gets worse over time, blood in the sputum, shortness of breath, recurrent chest infections, ongoing chest pain, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.
If you have a family history of lung cancer, it is important to maintain regular check-ups with your doctor as your risk is higher. If lung cancer is detected at an early stage, it greatly increases the chances of successful treatment, 90% of stage I lung cancers are curable.

Vinmec International General Hospital is currently providing a Lung Cancer Screening Package that includes in-depth consultations with modern oncologists and radiologists. If you belong to a group with a high risk of lung cancer (family members have cancer, smoker,...), customers should go for regular screening to be screened correctly.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Article referenced source: iconcancercentre.sg