Lung cancer kills more people than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. Historically, lung cancer is more common in older people and diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, younger women are more affected by lung cancer than men under 50, according to a report published in JAMA Oncology.
Costanzo DiPerna, MD a thoracic surgeon with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Groupshares information and resources to help people understand the risks, prevention, treatment options, and dangerous long-term effects of using modern “e-cigarettes.”
Risk factors
Smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, smoking is associated with approximately 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths. Secondhand smokeor persistent contact with smoke from other people’s cigarettes, pipes or cigars, can also cause lung cancer.
Certain environmental factors, such as asbestos, arsenic, and natural gases or radon, are also known to cause lung cancer, although the risk of lung cancer from exposure to these elements remains higher for people who smoke only for those who do not smoke. As with many diseases, the risk of developing lung cancer may also be higher if it is hereditary. Exposure to smoke and environmental factors may have a more serious impact in cases of inherited genetic mutations.
What about vaping?
“The perception that vaping is safer than smoking is false,” says Dr. DiPerna. Tobacco companies often market vaping pens and products as a “safer” alternative to traditional cigarettes, in order to target a younger demographic. According to the CDC, the use of vapes is not considered safe. E-cigarette aerosol generally contains fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes, but the aerosol still contains harmful and potentially harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds and carcinogens. It is important to note that e-cigarettes are not currently approved by the FDA as a smoking cessation aid.
Vaping pens, also called “e-cigarettes,” “vape pens,” and “vapes,” produce an inhalable aerosol by heating a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavorings and other carcinogenic chemicals.
“Young people have been shown to opt for e-cigarettes over traditional forms because of their unique scents and flavors that neither smell nor taste like typical cigarette smoke. However, that doesn’t make it a better option,” says Dr. DiPerna. It’s also important to keep in mind that e-cigarettes and vape pens are not currently approved by the FDA as an aid to help adults quit smoking.
Prevention + Treatment
The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking or using vaping products and e-cigarettes.
Long-time smokers should not be discouraged from quitting. Quitting smoking is beneficial at any age and helps reduce the risk of developing cancer. Ten years after quitting smoking, your risk of dying from lung cancer drops by half, and quitting smoking after a while is beneficial for your health.
The first step to quitting smoking is to prepare to quit. Check out one of these resources to get started or talk to your doctor at your next appointment.
- Smokefree.gov
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW
- Text “EXIT” to 47848.
Recognizing the challenges of quitting can be an empowering tool to help you meet the challenge. In addition to arming yourself with information, having a support system in place is a great way to ensure your success. Talk to those close to you about your intention to quit so they can help you stick with it.
Avoiding second-hand smoke is also an important part of reducing the risk of lung cancer for yourself and those around you.
The CDC also recommends testing your home for radon and following health and safety guidelines to avoid cancer-causing chemicals like asbestos and arsenic in the workplace and at home.
Screening Options are available to those at risk of developing lung cancer in the form of a low-dose CT scan. You may be eligible for annual exams if you have a history of 20 packs or more, are a current smoker, or have quit within the last 15 years. And are between 50 and 80 years old.
Thanks to advances in medicine, treatments exist for those who are diagnosed with lung cancer. Depending on the stage and progression, patients may be treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Key takeaways
Lung cancer claims many lives each year. Fortunately, prevention methods exist to reduce your risk. These include:
- Avoid smoking cigarettes and vape pens or quit if you currently smoke
- Opt for a “smoke-free” home and car to avoid the effects of second-hand smoke
- Have your home tested for radon and other environmental carcinogens
- Talk to your doctor about annual screenings if you think you’re at risk
Your doctor can help you stop. If you think you are at risk of developing lung cancer or need help quitting smoking, make an appointment with your doctor. OUR “Find a doctor» can help you find a Dignity Health Medical Group doctor near you.
