Join AARP
Get exclusive member benefits & effect social change. Join Today
The majority of lung cancer is preventable. By avoiding your exposure to risk factors—especially to smoking—you significantly limit your chances for developing lung cancer.
Because smoking is responsible for 90% of lung cancers, quitting is the most important thing you can do. Almost immediately, your lungs will begin to heal themselves. The amount of time you smoked and the frequency will affect their ability to repair, but even after many years of smoking, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer.
If you work around asbestos or other harmful materials, be careful to limit your exposure as much as possible. Radon testing is available for home and commercial spaces. If you live or work in an old building and suspect the presence of either radon or asbestos, testing for unsafe levels can provide you with peace of mind.
Nutrition is important for maintaining good health. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals provides your body with the nutrition it needs to function properly and heal damaged cells. Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Include other plant-based foods like beans and grains. Stay away from high-fat foods and avoid or limit your alcohol consumption.
Written by: the Healthline Editorial Team
Medically reviewed
: Gregory Cosby
![]() |
Enter your symptoms in our Symptom Checker to find out possible causes of your symptoms. Go.
|
![]() |
Enter any list of prescription drugs and see how they interact with each other and with other substances. Go.
|
![]() |
Enter its color and shape information, and this tool helps you identify it. Go.
|
![]() |
Find information on drug interactions, side effects, and more. Go.
|
The FDA issued an official warning regarding the E. coli risk associated with consuming raw cookie dough containing contaminated flour.