Lung cancer - Preventing lung cancer
- Introduction
- Symptoms of lung cancer
- Causes of lung cancer
- Diagnosing lung cancer
- Treating lung cancer
- Living with lung cancer
- Preventing lung cancer
- 'I didn't fit the typical profile of someone with lung cancer'
- 'I was determined not to let the diagnosis spoil my life'
- 'I've had full quality of life for a very long time now'
- 'I'm thankful I saw my GP as soon as I spotted the symptoms'
- See what the doctor sees with Map of Medicine
Not smoking is the most effective way to avoid getting lung cancer.
Stop smoking
If you smoke, the best way to prevent lung cancer and other serious conditions is to stop smoking as soon as possible.
However long you have been smoking, it is always worth quitting. Every year that you do not smoke, your risk of getting serious illnesses, such as lung cancer, will decrease. After 10 years of not smoking, your chances of developing lung cancer falls to half that of some who smokes.
NHS Smokefree can offer advice and encouragement to help you quit smoking. You can call them on 0300 123 1044, or visit their website.
Your GP or pharmacist can also give you help and advice about giving up smoking.
Diet
Research suggests that eating a low-fat, high-fibre diet, including at least five portions a day of fresh fruit and vegetables and plenty of whole grains, can help reduce your risk of lung cancer, as well as other types of cancer and heart disease.
Find out more information about diet and cancer.
Exercise
There is strong evidence to suggest that regular exercise can lower the risk of developing lung cancer and other types of cancer.
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.
Find out more information about health and fitness.
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