More Than Awareness: Small Steps You Can Take to Support Your Lung Health

Taking care of your lungs is something you can do every day. From avoiding tobacco smoke to understanding your personal health risks, small lifestyle choices can make a meaningful difference in supporting your respiratory health.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, making it a great time to take a closer look at your lung health and consider steps you can take to protect it.

While not every lung cancer diagnosis can be prevented, understanding risk factors and staying informed about screening options can help you make proactive decisions about your health.

Here are five ways to make lung health a priority.

1. Avoid Tobacco Smoke

Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of developing cancer.

If you currently smoke, quitting is one of the most beneficial steps you can take for your overall health.

It’s never too late to quit. Your healthcare provider can help connect you with smoking cessation resources, medications, and support programs.

Avoiding secondhand smoke is also important. If possible, keep your home and vehicle smoke-free and limit exposure to environments where tobacco smoke is present.

2. Be Aware of Your Environment

Some environmental exposures can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is one example. It can enter homes through cracks and openings in foundations and may accumulate indoors without any noticeable smell or appearance.

Other exposures, including asbestos and certain workplace chemicals, can also affect lung health.

Consider testing your home for radon and follow appropriate safety precautions if you work around materials or substances known to affect respiratory health.

3. Understand Your Personal Risk Factors

Your lung cancer risk isn’t determined by one factor alone.

Your smoking history, age, family history, and environmental exposures can all contribute to your overall risk.

One measurement healthcare providers use when evaluating eligibility for lung cancer screening is pack-years.

A pack-year represents smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year.

For example:

• One pack per day for 20 years equals 20 pack-years.
• Two packs per day for 10 years equals 20 pack-years.
• Half a pack per day for 40 years equals 20 pack-years.

Knowing your smoking history can help your physician determine whether low-dose CT lung cancer screening may be appropriate.

4. Pay Attention to Changes in Your Breathing

Your lungs play an important role in keeping your body functioning, so it’s important to pay attention to changes in your respiratory health.

Symptoms worth discussing with a healthcare provider include:

• A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest discomfort or pain.
• Hoarseness or changes in your voice.
• Coughing up blood.
• Unexplained weight loss.

These symptoms can have many different causes and don’t automatically indicate lung cancer. However, new or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Remember, lung cancer screening is intended for eligible people who do not have symptoms. If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider about an appropriate diagnostic evaluation.

5. Ask About Lung Cancer Screening

For individuals at increased risk, screening can be an important part of proactive healthcare.

Low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening uses specialized imaging technology to look for early signs of lung cancer before symptoms appear.

Screening may be recommended for individuals who:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old.
• Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years.
• Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
• Have no signs or symptoms of lung disease.

Additional requirements, including a physician’s order and shared decision-making, apply. Insurance coverage and age limits may vary.

If you think you may qualify, talk with your physician about your screening options.

Make Your Lung Health a Priority

Supporting your lung health doesn’t have to involve major lifestyle changes all at once. Becoming more aware of your risk factors, avoiding tobacco smoke, and staying informed about recommended screenings are meaningful places to start.

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to check in with yourself and have a conversation with your healthcare provider about your lung health.

At TRA Medical Imaging, we’re proud to provide low-dose CT lung cancer screening for eligible patients at our Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and Olympia locations.

Your health is worth the conversation. Take a proactive step toward better lung health today.