November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the second most common cancer among both men and women in the United States. In Boston, Charlestown has the highest rate of lung cancer of all the neighborhoods.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month brings awareness to the ways we can all strive to improve our lung health.
- Don’t smoke. The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking, or to quit if you smoke. Smoking can cause cancer and then block your body from fighting it.
- Stay away from second hand smoke. Smoke from other people’s cigarettes, pipes, or cigars can cause lung cancer.
- Get your home tested for radon. People can be exposed to radon from breathing radon in air that comes through cracks in the foundation of buildings and homes. One out of 15 homes has a high level of radon. Testing your home is the only way to find out if you have a radon problem. If you do, then you can fix it.
- If you have a history of heavy smoking, ask your doctor if lung cancer screening is right for you.
If you smoke, consider participating in the Great American Smokeout® on November 19th
Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the Great American Smokeout event be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. The American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit.
Quitting starts here: START DAY ONE
