Not just smoking, these everyday habits can also raise your lung cancer risk

The popular perception is that lung cancer is primarily caused by cigarette smoking. While it's true to some extent, and smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer in the USA, many everyday habits and exposures, be it the air we breathe or the products we use could be putting us at a significant risk of the deadly cancer.

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States, accounting for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths, according to American Cancer Society. While it mainly occurs in elderly, a few younger people may also get diagnosed before 45.

However, lung cancer is also becoming common in non-smokers and the causes may range from radon exposure

Eating wrong foods

While this may seem surprising but lung cancer is also linked to a poor diet. Regular consumption of red or processed meat may raise the risk of lung cancer, as these meats can contain carcinogenic compounds such as nitrates, nitrites, and chemicals formed during high-temperature cooking (e.g., HCAs and PAHs), which have been linked to cancer development. One should go for lean proteins like fish, poultry, and plant-based foods. Also eating food with retinol, beta-carotene or carotenoids may reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Inactive lifestyle

Being a couch potato and leading a sedentary lifestyle could do more damage than you would ever think. Physical inactivity may increase the risk of lung cancer, as an inactive lifestyle can weaken the immune system, reduce lung function, and contribute to obesity and inflammation, because of which the risk of cancer development increases.

Radon exposure

Indoor radon exposure is a major risk factor for lung cancer in the US. This invisible, odorless gas can accumulate in homes through cracks in floors and walls, and long-term exposure, especially in smokers, significantly increases lung cancer risk.

Secondhand smoking

If you are hanging out with a smoker friend, you are also at an increased risk of lung cancer. Secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor for lung cancer. Non-smokers exposed to tobacco smoke from others, whether at home, work, or in public spaces, are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer over time.

Pollution

Environmental pollution can significantly raise the risk of lung cancer, especially with long-term exposure to air pollutants like particulate matter, vehicle emissions, and industrial gases. Urban areas with high levels of pollution are particularly concerning, as these pollutants can damage lung tissue and increase the likelihood of developing cancer over time.