World Lung Cancer Day

Lung cancer is, according to the Global Initiative for Asthma, “the most common cancer worldwide”, and so deserves attention and awareness. Lung cancer kills more people per year than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined¹. With such a huge impact on Canadians, here are some ways to reduce you and your families’ risk for lung cancer.

1. Stop smoking or using tobacco products. Reduce your risk for lung cancer greatly by getting help to quit. You can access a personal quitting coach through the ARTACares Program at 1-888-327-1500 at no extra charge to you.
2. Test your home for radon. This is a cancer-causing chemical that is present in the air in Canada and can accumulate in homes. The age of your home is not a good indicator of how high radon levels in your home could be. More information on how to test your radon levels at home can be found here
3. Eat your veggies. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower have been shown to reduce lung cancer risk due to a chemical called isothiocyanates. Follow the Canadian Food Guide and enjoy a wide variety of foods while reducing your intake of cancer-linked foods. See more here
4. Be physically active. Exercising at a moderate to vigorous level at least 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk for cancer. Try cycling, a weight routine, jogging, tennis, swimming, or any other activity that gets your heart rate up.
5. Talked to your doctor about screening. Some people, such as smokers and former smokers, should be regularly screened to prevent lung cancer. Ask your physician if you meet the criteria for screening, as early detection increases the chance of successful treatment.

For more information on health and wellness topics, webinars, and articles, visit your eldercare portal.

1 https://ginasthma.org/world-lung-cancer-day-2019/

By Hailie Rondeau, RN

ARTACares is provided by HumanaCare, an Alberta-based health and wellness provider with more than thirty-five years of Canadian health care experience.