Lung cancer can develop from several risk factors, including exposure to chemical agents, air pollution, and family history. However, the main and most recognized cause is smoking, which accounts for about 85% of cases.
So, what are the most effective ways to protect yourself if you are exposed to these risks, or if you are already struggling with an addiction? Here are some key strategies to help prevent lung cancer.
Understanding the Risks and Challenges
Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and its primary form of prevention is simple and obvious: don’t smoke. Yet, an increasing number of young people who have never smoked are being diagnosed, which suggests that genetic mutations and changes in cellular DNA also play a role. Prevention, therefore, begins with basic measures, such as avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals and secondhand smoke.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle — eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and keeping a balanced diet — also contributes significantly to lowering the risk.Â
In an interview with oncologist Dr. AndrĂ© da Silva Santos, when asked about the main risk factors for lung cancer, he stated: “The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, duration of the habit, and age of onset. Former smokers maintain a high risk for 10-15 years after quitting and secondhand smoke increases the risk by 20-30% for nonsmokers with regular exposure.”
But what about those struggling with addiction? With the rise of e-cigarette use, especially among young people, quitting may seem distant or even unattainable. Nicotine, present in vaping liquids, is highly addictive and creates chemical dependence, causing withdrawal symptoms that can make the process feel particularly daunting for young users.
The early stages of quitting smoking can be the most difficult, but overcoming the fear of withdrawal is the first step toward breaking the habit. The first two weeks are often the hardest, after which the body begins to heal. Choosing the right time to quit and preparing mentally are also crucial factors for success.
Prevention, Support, and Expert Advice
Brazilian influencer Gustavo Foganoli, 24, created the #SemNicotina (#NoNicotine) movement on TikTok to publicly commit to quitting smoking and to encourage other young people facing the same struggle.Â
“I was very committed to my purpose. It’s something I had been considering for a long time. Quitting wasn’t optional; it never has been. We may feel like smoking, but deep down, we want to quit”, he says. For him, quitting was a tough decision, but one that ultimately brought health benefits.
During the interview, Dr. AndrĂ© da Silva Santos also spoke about the importance of early diagnosis: “Early detection can increase survival by 3-4 times.” Some of the tests recommended by the doctor are Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT), bronchoscopy, transthoracic biopsy, among others.
Experts also emphasize the strong link between smoking and lung cancer.Â
“Lung cancer is directly related to smoking. We can say that, technically, it is responsible for the vast majority of cancer cases worldwide, and particularly in Brazil”, said epidemiologist Alfredo Scaff in an interview with Agência Brasil.
In the end, perhaps the greatest motivation to quit smoking is this: the process is difficult, but facing the consequences of smoking is far harder.
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The article above was edited by Isabella Simões.
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