Prevention

There may be several ways to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer.

Don’t Smoke

Tobacco use is the major cause of lung cancer in the United States.^{1 2} About 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80% of lung cancer deaths in women in this country are due to smoking. The most important thing a person can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking, or to quit if he or she currently smokes.

Quitting smoking will lower risk of lung cancer compared to not quitting.^{1 2 3 4} This is true no matter how old a person is. The longer a person goes without smoking, the more his or her risk will improve compared to those who continue to smoke. However, the risk in people who have quit is still higher than the risk in people who have never smoked. For tips on quitting, visit smokefree.gov.

CDC helps support a national network of quitlines that makes free "quit smoking" support available by telephone to smokers anywhere in the United States. The toll-free number is 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669); TTY 1-800-332-8615.

For smokers, avoiding other things that increase risk for lung cancer may help lower risk, but not as much as quitting smoking.

Avoid Secondhand Smoke

Make your home and car smoke-free.^{2 5} CDC's Office of Smoking and HealthOffice of Smoking and Health has information about secondhand smoke.

Make Your Home and Workplace Safer

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes be tested for radon. Radon detectors can be purchased or arrangements can be made for qualified testers to come into the home. Some states offer free or low-cost radon test kits. Visit EPA's radon Web site for more information about radon and radon testing in your area.⁶

Health and safety guidelines in the workplace can help workers avoid things that can cause cancer (carcinogens). Visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for more information.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Scientists are studying many different foods and dietary supplements to see if they can prevent lung cancer. There is much we still need to know. We do know that fruits and carotenoid-rich foods probably protect against lung cancer.⁷ For more information, visit Fruits & Veggies - More Matters.