Lung Cancer Prevention

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers in the United States. The good news is that many cases can be prevented.

At University Health, our lung and respiratory specialists help you lower your risk, learn the warning signs and take steps to protect your long-term health.

Why Lung Cancer Prevention Matters

Most lung cancers develop over time after repeated exposure to harmful substances, especially tobacco smoke.

Cigarette smoking causes about 80% of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. Tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known to cause cancer. People who smoke are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer than people who do not smoke.

Even one change in lung tissue can lead to cancer. Smoking speeds up these harmful changes over time.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Lung Cancer

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking is the best way to lower your risk of lung cancer. Cigarettes, cigars, marijuana smoke and e-cigarettes can expose your lungs to harmful chemicals. Vaping and e-cigarettes are not safe choices. Smoke from any substance can irritate and damage lung tissue, and anything you breathe in can contain harmful chemicals.

Avoid Secondhand Smoke

Breathing secondhand smoke often can also raise your risk of lung cancer. Protect yourself and your family by avoiding places where people smoke. You can also help create smoke-free homes and workplaces.

Know Your Family and Medical History

Some people may have a higher risk because of their genes or past lung problems. If you have had lung infections, lung nodules or long-term breathing problems, follow-up imaging and care from a specialist are important.

Lung nodules found during imaging for another reason, such as after COVID-19 or pneumonia, should be watched closely over time.

Get Screened if You’re Eligible

Screening is a way to find lung cancer early. It can help doctors find cancer before symptoms start and before it spreads.

You may qualify for a yearly low-dose CT lung cancer screening if you:

• Are 50 to 80 years old
• Currently smoke or formerly smoked
• Have at least a 20-pack-year smoking history

A pack-year describes cumulative smoking exposure. Smoking one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years equals 20 pack-years.

Because screening guidelines and insurance coverage may differ, talk with your health care provider about whether lung cancer screening is right for you. Even if you feel healthy, lung cancer can grow without obvious symptoms, which is why eligible adults should ask their provider about screening.

Recognize Early Warning Signs

Prevention is important, but knowing the symptoms can help you act quickly if something changes. Common signs include:

• A cough that worsens or doesn’t go away
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your primary care provider or a pulmonologist.

Comprehensive Lung Care at University Health

Our pulmonologists offer advanced testing, diagnosis and treatment for many lung conditions, from long-term breathing problems to complex cancer care.

We use leading-edge technology to find concerns early and help you stay ahead of your lung cancer risk.

ION Robotic‑Assisted Bronchoscopy

University Health offers ION robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, one of the most advanced tools for checking lung nodules that may be cancerous. This minimally invasive technology uses robotic navigation to reach deep areas of the lung with a high level of accuracy.