Lung Cancer is an unusual disease in that it was once incredibly rare, so much so that many doctors would never see a case in their lifetimes, and is now a leading cause of death almost entirely due to a single, controllable factor – which just happens to be tobacco smoking. It is also one of the most visible diseases, and is relatively well-understood by the public. We know what causes it, we know it is a fatal disease, and there’s not much debate over these points any more.

Smoking causes lung cancer, and other than a small percentage of cases that arise from industrial and environmental carcinogens, in general exposure to tobacco smoke is the one controllable risk factor for lung cancer. Smokers have ten times the risk of nonsmokers to develop lung cancer, and that’s not including the #2 risk factor, which just happens to be second-hand smoke.

And while there are screening tests for detecting early signs of lung cancer, these tests are limited in ability to help and can carry sizable risks. Screening, while critical in treating some otherwise fatal diseases, cannot keep you safe from lung cancer. In this case, the only realistic solution is abstaining from smoking, or quitting if you already smoke. The earlier you quit, the higher your expected life span and the less likely you are to get cancer, but quitting at any stage of life has a dramatic increase on your life expectancy.

Most people understand the relationship between smoking and lung cancer. They understand that it is an extremely fatal disease that can be prevented in a very straightforward manner, even if it may be hard to do so. But it’s important to also look at the big picture with regards to prevention as a means of achieving better health and preventing fatal diseases.

There are many diseases where prevention, before the fact, is the most reasonable “cure”.  Type 2 Diabetes, for example, can be prevented in many people by exercising, avoiding obesity, and eating in a healthy manner. While there are treatments and techniques for managing the disease once it has been acquired, the only safe option is not developing it in the first place! Even better, these same lifestyle choices can help prevent Heart Disease and Strokes, which are among the most deadly and frequent killers of Americans.  Cervical Cancer is one of many diseases that can be largely prevented with proper vaccination at an early age. Esophagal Cancer can be prevented by proper treatment of chronic acid reflux disease before it develops into something more.

Remember, you have the ability to manage your own health better than any doctor can. You might not be a medical professional, but you control what goes into your body, when you exercise, and how often you visit the doctor’s office. You have a great deal of power. It’s important to take your role of caretaker of your body seriously!