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The Top 5 Ways to Prevent Lung Cancer

Lung cancer takes a huge toll on the healthcare resources and also in terms of loss of hours at the workplace. Lung cancer accounts for more than a million deaths annually. Knowing what are the risk factors for lung cancer and preventing the same can go a long way in reducing the number of deaths from lung cancer.

Here are 5 sure shot ways of reducing the incidence of lung cancer.

1. STOP smoking NOW: Smoking causes 87% of all lung cancers and quitting smoking has several benefits chief among which is preventing lung cancer. If you are a smoker you should consider quitting now and if that is difficult get some help but do please quit smoking.

2. Fruits and Vegetables: Your diet should include a large portion of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain anti-oxidants and flavonoids that help protect the DNA of cells and also repair damaged cells.

3. Get your homes tested for Radon: Radon is a breakdown product of Uranium. Radon is an inert gas and cannot be seen, felt, smelled or tasted. As more and more houses are getting built over Uranium deposits that occur naturally in the soil it is a must that your homes are tested for Radon levels. Radon is a strong risk factor for lung cancer.

4. Workplace exposure: Knowing what you are being exposed to in the workplace is a must. Gasoline, diesel exhaust, arsenic, beryllium. Vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, and Chloromethyl ethers are all carcinogens and can be found in some work environments. Fumes, dust and chemicals are all too common in the workplace and talk to your employer about limiting your exposure to these noxious agents.

5. Passive smoking: Second-hand smoke is smoke that is given out by a smoker or smoke from a lit cigar or cigarette. This contains over 60 known carcinogens that interfere with normal cell development and leads to subsequent lung cancer.

Follow these 5 steps today and enjoy a life free from lung cancer.
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