Preventing Lung Cancer

What Is the Best Way to Help Prevent Lung Cancer?

The most effective way to reduce lung cancer risk is to:

• Avoid smoking
• Quit tobacco use if you currently smoke
• Limit exposure to secondhand smoke

Although quitting smoking does not eliminate risk completely, it may significantly lower the risk of developing lung cancer and other serious diseases over time.

What Smoking Cessation Options Are Available?

Many patients benefit from smoking cessation support, including:

• Prescription medications
• Nicotine replacement therapy
• Counseling
• Support groups
• Smoking cessation programs

Some patients may also explore behavioral approaches or structured cessation programs with their healthcare provider.

Should Former Smokers Get Lung Cancer Screening?

Some former smokers may qualify for:

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

Screening eligibility often depends on:

• Age
• Smoking history
• Pack-year history
• Time since quitting

Discussing your smoking history honestly with your physician may help determine whether screening is appropriate.

Can Lung Cancer Still Occur After Quitting Smoking?

Yes. While risk generally decreases over time after quitting smoking, former smokers may still develop lung cancer years later.

That is why it is important to:

• Stay aware of symptoms
• Maintain regular healthcare visits
• Discuss screening recommendations with your doctor

What Symptoms Should Be Evaluated?

You should speak with a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Coughing up blood

Early evaluation may help identify problems sooner.

Why Is Early Detection Important?

Lung cancer is often more treatable when found early.

Screening and prompt evaluation of symptoms may help:

• Detect cancer earlier
• Increase treatment options
• Improve outcomes

Being proactive about respiratory symptoms and risk factors may be life-saving.

About Dr. Michaela Straznicka

Dr. Michaela Straznicka is a board-certified thoracic surgeon at BASS Medical Group specializing in lung cancer evaluation, minimally invasive thoracic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, and thoracic oncology care.

Video Transcript

Obviously, the best thing to do is never smoke in the first place.

But if you have smoked, making every effort to quit is the most important step you can take.

There are several smoking cessation options available now, including medications and support groups.

For former smokers, the recommendation is to get lung cancer screening if you qualify.

Be honest with your physician about your smoking history and ask whether you qualify for screening.

Even patients who quit smoking many years ago can still develop lung cancer.

That’s why it’s important to pay attention to symptoms like a persistent cough and seek medical evaluation early.

Everyone deserves quality healthcare and the opportunity to catch disease early.

Being proactive about your health could save your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does quitting smoking reduce lung cancer risk?

Yes. Quitting smoking may significantly reduce lung cancer risk over time.

Can former smokers still get lung cancer?

Yes. Lung cancer can still occur years after quitting smoking.

What is lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screening uses low-dose CT scans to detect cancer early in certain high-risk patients.

When should a persistent cough be evaluated?

A cough that does not improve or continues over time should be discussed with a healthcare provider.