Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, yet many of its risk factors are preventable. Whether you are a lifelong non-smoker, actively working to quit or employed in an environment that increases your risk, there are tangible steps you can take today to significantly reduce your likelihood of developing lung cancer.
This blog outlines five actionable steps to help reduce your risk of lung cancer and provides an overview of essential elements of the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (DEEOIC) lung cancer claims.
- Stop smoking—or don’t start
Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens.
If you smoke, quitting is the single most powerful step you can take to reduce your risk. After one year of quitting, lung cancer begins to decrease, although the decline is still modest at this point. Within 5-10 years of quitting, your chance of getting cancer of the mouth, throat or voice box drops by half. Within 10 years of quitting, your chance of getting cancer of the bladder, esophagus or kidneys decreases.
- Test your home for radon
Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that naturally comes from rocks and soil. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
The only way to detect radon is through testing kits, which are inexpensive and easy to use. If levels are high, you can take steps to mitigate it like installing a radon reduction system.
- Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
Adults who do not smoke and are exposed to secondhand smoke increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent. This includes smoke from cigarettes, hookah, cigars and even marijuana.
Avoid smoking areas, advocate for smoke-free environments and don’t allow smoking inside your home or car.
- Protect yourself from carcinogens at work
Certain workplaces expose workers to harmful industrial chemicals known to cause cancer. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to limit exposure to recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm and provide safety training. If you work in construction, manufacturing or mining, be aware of your rights, increased lung cancer risk and use proper protective gear.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
While no specific food can prevent lung cancer, a diet high in antioxidants, fiber and vitamins from fruits and vegetables may help protect lung tissue from damage.
Limit alcohol, avoid highly processed foods and focus on whole, plant-based nutrition to support your body’s natural defenses.
Pro tip: Aim for a colorful plate—leafy greens, berries, carrots and citrus fruits are all great options.
Developing lung cancer in occupational environments
While lifestyle choices play a significant role in developing lung cancer, certain environments, such as workplaces with hazardous exposures, pose additional risks. The U.S. Federal Government has documented cases of workers developing cancer from occupational exposure. Established in 2000 and effective in 2001, the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (DEEOIC) handles claims from individuals in the nuclear weapons industry or Department of Energy facilities who believe their illness stems from exposure to hazards like radiation and asbestos. The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) offers compensation to eligible workers who develop certain cancers, including lung cancer, due to their employment.
Key aspects of DEEOIC lung cancer claims:
- Qualifying Conditions: Lung cancer is a covered illness under the EEOICPA, with claims based on exposure to radiation and other workplace hazards.
- Special Exposure Cohort (SEC): Certain employee groups qualify for SEC status, allowing compensation without proving specific radiation doses or causation probabilities.
- Occupational Hazards: Risks include exposure to asbestos, uranium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel and certain petroleum products.
- Compensation: Benefits include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages and impairment compensation.
- Claim Process: Applicants must file a claim with the DEEOIC, providing evidence of employment and a lung cancer diagnosis.
- Diagnosis: Common diagnostic methods include chest X-rays, CT scans, PET-CT scans, bronchoscopies, and biopsies (NHS).
- Symptoms: Lung cancer symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing, recurring lung infections, and bloody or rust-colored sputum.
In summary, lung cancer can be deadly, but it’s also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Today, you can take simple but powerful steps—like quitting smoking, testing for radon, being aware of occupational hazards and using protective equipment and improving your diet—that can significantly reduce your risk. Even small changes can lead to a longer, healthier life. And if you’re unsure of your personal risk, speak to your healthcare provider about lung cancer screening options, especially if you’re over 50 with a history of smoking.
Maxim Healthcare provides a range of home health and personal care services. Contact your local office to learn more about Maxim’s services to get the support you need.
