Lung Cancer

How is lung cancer prevented?

As smoking is one of the main causes of lung cancer, the best way to minimise the risk of developing lung cancer is to avoid smoking. There are several ways to do this:

• Primary Prevention: If you have never smoked, don’t start.
• Secondary Prevention: If you are a smoker, stop smoking. Stopping smoking at any age can help to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Avoid exposure to second hand smoke (from others around you who may smoke).
• Screening: If you are aged between 55-74, and have smoked 30 or more pack years* and are continuing to smoke or quit less than 15 years ago, you can consider undergoing a low dose CT scan to screen for lung cancer.

*Pack years are calculated by multiplying the number of cigarette packs smoked daily by the number of years smoking.

It is also recommended that you eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and to exercise regularly.