November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide.
Smoking is the main cause of about 85 percent of all lung cancers. Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and more than 70 of which are known carcinogens. These substances damage lung tissue and alter cell DNA, creating mutations that increase the likelihood of lung cancer development.
Long-term exposure and heavy smoking increase the risk proportionally. The longer a person smokes and the more cigarettes they consume daily, the greater their risk.
Secondhand smoke exposure also raises the risk. Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke have about a 20-30 percent higher chance of developing lung cancer than non-smokers with no exposure.
Dr. Tim Arnold, Riverwood family physician, comments, “While quitting smoking at any age can significantly reduce your cancer risk, it’s important to remember that the damage caused by smoking compounds over time, making early cessation crucial. If you need help quitting tobacco, talk to your health care provider about resources that can help you through this process and whether you should be screened for lung cancer.”
Strategies to quit tobacco
Quitting smoking is challenging, as nicotine addiction affects both the brain’s chemical pathways and physical and psychological habits. However, with the right strategies and support, many people can successfully quit.
Here are some effective methods:
• Nicotine replacement therapy: Options like nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges help reduce withdrawal symptoms by providing small, controlled doses of nicotine without the harmful chemicals in cigarettes.
• Medications: Prescription medications, such as varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban), can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by acting on brain receptors related to nicotine addiction.
• Behavioral therapy: Counseling and support groups provide guidance, encouragement, and coping strategies, helping individuals tackle the behavioral aspects of smoking.
• Lifestyle changes: Developing new habits can keep the mind and body engaged. Exercise, mindfulness, and healthy diet changes can help reduce cravings and improve mood.
• Digital apps and online programs: Many digital platforms and smartphone apps offer structured programs, tools, and community support to keep motivation high and track progress.
Lung cancer screening
Early stage lung cancer often has no signs or symptoms, and screenings find cancer early when it is easier to treat. The best part? Lung screenings are quick and easy, taking only a few minutes.
Talk to your primary care provider about your cancer risks and the benefits of screening. The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening should be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability or willingness to have curative lung surgery.
For those at high risk, annual Low-Dose Computed Tomography screening can catch lung cancer early. These scans use lower radiation doses to create detailed images of the lungs, enabling the detection of abnormalities that may indicate cancer. The test is painless and non-invasive.
In addition to quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support lung health. This includes a diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, regular exercise to keep the lungs strong, and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke and other lung irritants.