Smoke of any kind raises your lung cancer risk

If you smoke, it's time to kick that habit. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and quitting can significantly reduce your risk. Not a smoker? Avoiding secondhand smoke is just as important for your lung health. Suchitra Pilli, MD, an interventional pulmonologist at HonorHealth Heart Care – Heart and Lung Surgery is dedicated to providing in-depth cancer care and shares her expertise on this deadly disease.

“Quitting smoking at any age has benefits, no matter how long you have smoked,” says Dr. Pilli. “It reduces your heart rate, lowers the carbon monoxide levels in your blood, improves blood circulation in your body, and reduces any coughing and shortness of breath. Most importantly, you’re taking a powerful step to reduce your risk of heart and pulmonary diseases, such as COPD, lung cancer and other cancers."

What are the risk factors for lung cancer?

Although smoking is the most serious lung cancer risk factor, it's not just traditional tobacco use that's a threat. E-cigarettes also pose a risk and their use among middle and high school students is growing. In fact, e-cigarette use among high school students is higher than tobacco, even more so than the use among adults. Although further research is needed to prove a direct correlation between e-cigarettes, vaping and lung cancer, the chemicals in e-cigarettes are linked to cancer and lung damage.

Other factors can affect your chances of developing lung cancer. These secondary risk factors include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Exposure to radon
• Secondhand smoke exposure
• Occupational hazards

Some families have an increased risk of lung cancer, even among those who have never smoked. Having a first-degree relative with lung cancer raises your risk. In addition to family history, secondhand smoke may be a factor if you live in a home with a smoker.

Radon, an odorless gas resulting from the natural decay of uranium, is a risk factor for lung cancer. It's most often found in the soil beneath houses and can seep up into a home. Secondhand smoke from fireplaces, campfires and wood-burning stoves is a risk factor as well. Finally, some people work in occupations that increase their risk for lung cancer because of exposure to asbestos, arsenic, heavy metals such as beryllium, cadmium and chromium, diesel fuel exhaust and coal dust. The risk from these exposures further increases if you smoke.

Do you need help quitting smoking?

"Since smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for lung cancer, it is never too late to quit,” says Dr. Pilli.

There are several services available to help you stop smoking, including:

• Counseling – Meet with a smoking cessation counselor for support.
• Smoking education class – All aspects of tobacco use are addressed and helpful tips on how you can quit are provided. 
• Arizona Smoker’s Helpline – Call 800-556-6222 or visit ashline.org to see if you qualify. If you do, you’ll receive free telephone or web-based coaching, help with setting goals and developing a plan to quit and medication assistance.

Talk to your primary care provider or lung doctor to find out how to get started.