According to the CDC, lung cancer has the highest mortality rate for all cancers and is the second most diagnosed cancer in both men and women.
And while you may believe you are not at risk for this type of cancer, it’s very important to keep your lungs healthy and be aware of the warning signs of this disease.
We here at Parkchester Medical like to share some ways to maintain your lung health and spread awareness about this condition.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung Cancer is when cells start to grow uncontrollably inside the lungs. This out-of-control growth forms into a group of cells called a tumor, which destroys the healthy lung cells around it.
If undetected and untreated, this growth eventually prevents your body from functioning properly and becomes fatal. This is just one of the reasons why keeping your lungs healthy is so important.
So, without further ado, let’s learn about ways to keep your lungs healthy.
1. Reduce Your Tobacco Intake
Although it may seem obvious, smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer.
That means that reducing your tobacco intake, and eventually eliminating it, is the best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer.
While there are a variety of ways to cut Tobacco, the most important thing to do is to start now rather than later.
2. Keep Away From Indoor Pollutants
Whether it be secondhand smoke or chemicals in the home or workplace, staying away from these pollutants are a great way to maintain your lung health.
Along with this, testing for radon in your home is a must as radon, a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas, can cause or worsen lung disease.
Safe to say, keeping away from harmful pollutants is a great way to keep your lungs healthy.
3. Stay Hygienic and Prevent Infection
Keeping yourself clean and hygienic helps lower your chances of getting sick and is a great way to reduce your risk of lung cancer.
Getting an infection weakens your immune system and increases your risk of lung disease, so taking precautions, such as getting your flu vaccine, is an important step in maintaining your lungs and overall health.
4. Visit a Doctor for Screening
Getting regular check-ups is a vital step in maintaining your health and catching diseases early.
This is true especially for lung cancer, as there are no symptoms until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and turns into a potentially fatal problem.
So be sure to schedule an appointment for screening with your Pulmonologist, or Lung Doctor, as soon as possible.
