Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women with over 200,000 new diagnoses made every year. You can estimate your risk of developing lung cancer by going to this website.

The single, most important way that we can reduce the risk of lung cancer is through prevention. Although I have seen several patients with lung cancer who have never smoked, virtually every diagnosis of lung cancer is made in a smoker. Cigarette smoke is one of the most addictive substances used by humans. Quitting is never easy and no one can claim otherwise. I have spoken to many patients over the years to learn their “secret for success”. The truth is, there is no single approach that is successful in everyone. Some people are successful the first time they try. Others have to attempt quitting many times before they are able to stop. Frequently, multiple different approaches are needed in order to become “smoke free”. Take a look at this website, http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/tobacco/smoking. It offers recommendations to help you quit and it also has phone numbers and a live chat line in order to get individual counseling. At Crystal Run Healthcare, we also have a smoking cessation program that you can contact at, wdesol@crystalrunhealthcare.com.  If you are a former smoker, please respond to this blog with your “secrets”. Other readers may find your suggestions helpful. If you can help one other person stop smoking, you could save a life.

Besides smoking, radon exposure may also increase your risk of developing lung cancer. This is a radioactive gas that leaks into your home, through your basement. If your home has not been tested yet, you can get inexpensive testing kits from the New York State Department of Health at this website, http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/radiological/radon/testkit.htm.