November is lung cancer awareness month, when people come together to recognize and raise awareness of the challenges of a lung cancer diagnosis. It is also a time to educate on risk factors and what can be done to lower them.
In 2020, lung cancer was responsible for over 2.2 million new cancer cases worldwide. That same year, lung cancer topped the list of most common causes of cancer death once again, with 1.8 million lives lost. These staggering statistics are more than just numbers. They represent real people who've had their lives directly changed by lung cancer and shed light on the importance of finding safe and effective strategies to prevent it.
Regarding lifestyle factors that influence lung cancer risk, diet and nutrition have long been associated with increasing and decreasing the risk of developing cancer. Looking more closely at lung cancer, research has shown that consuming red and processed meats may increase one’s risk, while a diet rich in soy, fish, fruits, and vegetables may help to lower it.
Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, and smoking cessation is critical. Tobacco use is the single most significant avoidable risk factor for death due to lung cancer, and roughly 80% of lung cancers could be prevented if smoking was eliminated. You can use many strategies to help you quit smoking for good and improve your overall health.
To learn more about the impacts of diet and lifestyle on lung cancer, read through our resources below.
