Lung Cancer – Leading Cause of Death
The Argus Leader reports that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney, and melanoma cancers combined.
Can lung cancer be prevented?
Nine out of ten cases are linked to one behavior: smoking. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. There are several medications now available that can help you kick the habit.
You should also pay close attention to your indoor air quality. Sitting near a wood-burning fireplace, for example, can be just as dangerous as smoking a cigarette. Make sure all fuel-burning appliance are properly vented (and try to avoid burning anything in your home).
Air cleaners can remove smoke, allergens, chemical fumes, and other pollutants from your environment. When I lived in an apartment with a fireplace, I made sure that my AllerAir DS air purifier was on high speed whenever I built a fire.
Behind tobacco smoking, the second leading cause of lung cancer is radon. This odorless gas emanates from natural rock formations, and it can seep into homes unnoticed. Install a radon detector in your home to alert you about dangerous radon levels.
Finally, harsh cleaning chemicals can damage the lungs over time. Throw out all those chemicals under your kitchen sink and replace them with a chemical-free vapor steam cleaner.
Do you have other tips for keeping your lungs healthy? Have you overcome lung cancer or watched a loved one undergo treatments? Share your story in the comments section below! We would love to hear from you.