Lung Cancer

Quitting smoking

Most lung cancers are caused by smoking. If you use tobacco, you can help prevent lung cancer by quitting. For more information, see the topic Reference Quitting Smoking.

Other prevention tips

You may be able to make other changes in your life that can help prevent lung cancer:

• Avoid working in jobs where you are exposed to Reference asbestos, arsenic, or Reference secondhand smoke Opens New Window.
• Check the Reference radon level in your home. If your radon level is high, lowering it can reduce your risk.
• Don't have unnecessary chest X-rays.
• Eat a healthy diet. Consider including a variety of foods, such as:
  • Foods high in Reference antioxidants Opens New Window, like beans, berries, prunes, and artichokes.
  • Foods high in phytoestrogens, like soy foods (tofu, soy milk, and edamame), whole grains, sprouts (alfalfa and clover), seeds (flaxseed, sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin), and nuts.
  • Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, bok choy, kale, and collard greens.

Studies show that taking supplements of beta carotene or vitamin E does not affect the risk of lung cancer for non-smokers. But for smokers, especially those who smoke one or more packs a day, taking beta carotene supplements can actually increase their risk for lung cancer.^{Reference 9}

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