Key points
- The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to stay away from tobacco smoke.
- Get your home tested for radon and reduce the radon level if it is high.
Steps you can take
- Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. Smoking causes about 80% of lung cancer deaths in the United States. The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking, or, if you smoke, to quit.
- Avoid secondhand smoke. Smoke from other people's cigarettes, cigars, or pipes is called secondhand smoke. Make your home and car smoke-free.
- Reduce radon in your home if needed. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States after cigarette smoke. Get your home tested for radon and take steps to reduce the radon level if it is high.
- Be careful at work. Follow safety guidelines to avoid other substances that can cause lung cancer.
Cessation Tips From Former Smokers
"We did it. You can, too!" Three people who quit smoking share tips that helped them quit in this video. For more help quitting, visit smokefree.gov.
Jackie’s story
"Have you ever heard of radon?" Six years ago, Jackie was asked this question when a home inspector overheard her talking about her recovery from lung cancer. Read her story and watch her video.