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7 Tips for Smokers to Lower the Risk of Lung Cancer

Cancer Prevention, Lung Cancer

Of all cancers, lung cancer takes the largest number of lives of both people and women annually in the United States. If you’re a smoker and are concerned about it, it is likely to worry you that those who smoke have the highest chance of developing cancer of the lung, according to CDC. However, the good news is that after decades smoke, one can significantly reduce the risk of developing lung cancer by quitting smoking cigarettes now. This article will provide practical suggestions that will help you quit smoking, and in turn, decrease the risk of developing lung cancer.

What are the steps smokers can Do to Lower Their Lung Cancer Risk?

Take a cold Turkey or cut down your Tobacco Consumption by Half

Get rid of the Smoking Temptations

Clean House

Develop Other Habits and New Habits

Be aware of smoking triggers

Rally to show support

Give Yourself a Treat

Get Cold Turkey or Cut your Tobacco Consumption by Half

A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that even though cutting down on smoking reduced the risk of lung cancer however, there were benefits to cutting your smoking tobacco by half. They discovered a decrease of 27% in lung cancer in smokers who cut down on their consumption by 62 percent. JAMA also noted a 90% decrease in the risk of cancer when smokers quit before the age of middle. Thus, to get the best chances of reducing your risk of developing lung cancer it is best to quit smoking today. If you’re not yet ready to give up cold turkey you should at the very least strive to reduce the amount that you smoke every day as you make plans to quit in the days to come.

Get rid of the Smoking Temptations

Naturally, you must remove any trace of the tobacco you’re trying to get rid of. This means clearing out nightstands, drawers, or garage spaces, and any place where even just one single cigarette could be hiding. Although you might want to show your strength by allowing yourself to wander around, remember that smoking cigarettes is one of the most difficult addictions and there’s no time to waste on testing the waters. If your partner or roommate smokes and doesn’t want to join your efforts ensure that the smoking accessories are away from your view and smoke in a private space only.

Clean House

As well as getting rid of all tobacco products, you can give yourself a new clean by cleaning the house. Over time, you might not have noticed the smell smoke has left behind in your house and on your clothes, and even in your vehicle. When you’re sense of smell grows more acute after quitting smoking, you might even be much more sensitive to the scent of cigarettes on other people. In the event of budget and time, you could take into consideration cleaning your upholstery, carpets curtains, and adding a new coat of paint on your walls. If you make this investment in a clean beginning, it might cause you to reconsider going back to the pack of cigarettes.

Develop Other Habits and New Habits

Researchers debate the length of time it takes to establish an entirely new habit. It is widely thought that it takes more than two months to embed a new habit in your daily life. When you are trying to kick the old habit of smoking and replace it with more healthy and enjoyable activities. Take note of the times when you are compelled to smoke and substitute the old habit with a fresh one. Do not think that it will be easy. The first few days or weeks will be the most difficult. However, letting yourself be distracted by healthy habits can aid you in navigating this phase. As an alternative to smoking considers:

You are playing a game on your smartphone

Making a call or texting to a friend

Going for a walk or a stroll

Join the gym

Shop

Be mindful of the possibility of smoking triggers

Consider possible triggers, in what settings or times of the day do you feel the urge to smoke? Are you smoking early to get up? Get out of the house or stroll through the neighborhood. Do you have a break with your colleagues? Try to stay clear of break-time spots that are where smokers are frequent and seek out a different spot for your breaks. Do you smoke while drinking coffee or an alcoholic drink? Try substituting these triggers with other items as you try to get rid of your cravings.

Rally To Support

Don’t do it on your own. Let your family, friends, and colleagues about your progress and involve your friends in both the improvements that you have made and the struggles that you’re experiencing. You may be surprised to discover that others are looking to quit too and you can help each other. It is also possible to join Freedom From Smoking, an initiative run by the American Lung Association that offers an online support group as well as groups, helplines, and much more.

Give Yourself a Treat

Calculate the cost and then put it on paper. Then, calculate what you’ll save by abstaining from smoking. CNN Money rates smoking as one of the most expensive expenses and estimates that smokers are spending an average of about $280 per month to indulge in their smoking habits. It’s $3,360 a year. Imagine the possibility to use that money to treat yourself. It could be a fantastic incentive to save for the cruise or trip you’ve been thinking about taking. This could also be the perfect time to start a sport or hobby that your lungs and smoking habits were unable to handle before.

Related Reading: Lower Lung Cancer Risks by using The Great American Smokeout

Don’t Give Up!

Relapses are not uncommon and are likely to be an element of your life. Do not use a relapse as an excuse to abandon your efforts however, you can learn from it. It’s never a loss in the long run as long as you continue striving and don’t be afraid to discuss your emotions and your frustrations with a trusted person.

Stopping smoking is one of the best presents you can give to yourself and those who cherish you. You will not only reduce the risk of lung cancer but it will also assist your body heal from other ailments and shield yourself from the other types of cancer. Here at Arizona Oncology, our expert and compassionate oncologist is dedicated to helping you attain the best quality of life during your cancer treatment.

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