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Reducing Risk for Lung Cancer

Key points

  • The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking, or, if you smoke, to quit.
  • Get your home tested for radon.
Photo of a doctor breaking a cigarette

Steps you can take

  • Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking causes about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths in the United States. The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking, or, if you smoke, to quit.
  • Avoid secondhand smoke. Smoke from other people's cigarettes, cigars, or pipes is called secondhand smoke. Make your home and car smoke-free.
  • Get your home tested for radon. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends that all homes be tested for radon.
  • Be careful at work. Follow health and safety guidelines to avoid carcinogens (things that can cause cancer).

Cessation Tips from Former Smokers

Transcript

"We did it. You can, too!" Three former smokers share tips that helped them quit in this video. For more help quitting, visit smokefree.gov.

Jackie’s story

Photo of Jackie
Jackie

"Have you ever heard of radon?" Six years ago, Jackie was asked this question when a home inspector overheard her talking about her recovery from lung cancer. Read her story and watch her video.

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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Division of Cancer Prevention and Control