Biggest Cancer Killer: Lung Cancer

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Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer and claims more than 160,000 people per year. While lung cancer rates among black and white men have been dropping, cancer rates in women of all races are still increasing.

Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. It is estimated that 86% of lung cancer cases are caused directly by smoking. The smoke from cigarettes contains more than 4,000 chemicals. Many of these chemicals are proven carcinogens; cancer-causing substances. Though are linked to higher cancer rates, smoking pipes or cigars increases the risk of lung cancer as well.

The damage caused by years and amount of smoking is cumulative, so every bit less or less frequently a person smokes the less likely they are to develop cancerous cells. Of course breaking the habit altogether has even more remarkable healing results.

Quitting smoking greatly reduces one's risk of developing all kinds of smoking related illnesses. When smokers break the habit they are also lowering their chances of developing emphysema, bronchitis, heart disease and even the odds of having a stroke. For those that have quit smoking for ten years, the risk of lung cancer drops to a level that is 1/3 - 1/2 of the risk compared to those who continue smoking.

The best way to avoid lung cancer is to prevent it. If you

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work in hazardous conditions, find out more about what you are being exposed to and how or if you are being protected. Smoking cigarettes can even exacerbate work related environmental risk factors, so quitting smoking really pays off over time.

If you're ready to give yourself a better shot at a brighter future in terms of health and wellbeing, but have concerns about your ability to break the habit, check out the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking online smoking cessation program found at http://www.ffsonline.org/ for some very useful tips as well as positive guidance to help get you over the hump.


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