Quitting smoking is one of the best steps you can take to reduce your lung cancer risk. Explore various smoking cessation options like medications, support groups, and hypnosis. Former smokers should discuss lung cancer screenings with their doctors, especially if they fall into the high-risk category. Early detection and proactive healthcare are key.
Obviously, the best thing to do is never smoke in the first place. But if you have smoked, making every effort to quit is the most important step you can take. There are several smoking cessation options available now, including medications such as Chantix or Wellbutrin. There are also support groups, online seminars, and even hypnosis, which I have heard has helped some people. If you are a smoker, the biggest incentive should be to try to quit, and there are many resources available to help you. For former smokers, the recommendation is to get lung cancer screening if you qualify. Be honest with your physician—tell them how many years you smoked and how much, and ask if you qualify for a cancer screening. If you do, insist on getting it done. Just like we prioritize mammograms and other routine screenings, it’s important to talk to your primary care doctor and say, “I fall into the high-risk category, please order my CAT scan so I can get my screening done.” The general idea is that for most patients who quit smoking more than 25 years ago, their risk of lung cancer drops to the same level as a non-smoker. While data supports this, my personal experience has shown that many patients who quit 25 or even 30 years ago can still develop lung cancer. That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to symptoms. If you start developing a persistent cough or any concerning symptoms, don’t wait until they become severe. Be proactive—talk to your primary care doctor and say, “I have this nagging cough and I used to smoke. Can we investigate this? Can we be aggressive?” I think a lot of former smokers struggle with a lingering sense of guilt, thinking, “If I have cancer, I did this to myself. I deserve it.” That is completely the wrong way to think about this. Everyone deserves quality healthcare and the opportunity to catch disease early. If you have symptoms and a smoking history, talk to your physician and get the necessary testing to confirm or rule out any concerns. Being proactive about your health could save your life. My name is Michaela Straznicka, and I am a proud member of the BASS Medical Group.
