Small Cell Lung Cancer Prevention   

Stop Smoking - although there are treatments for lung cancer, its prevention is the safest way to fight it. Smoking causes almost 90% of lung cancers; quitting smoking remains the safest lung cancer prevention. You may think it's cool to smoke; you're enjoying your life. Once the disease is declared, all cool feeling will be gone, and you lose your health and joy for good. You cannot enjoy life when you are sick, especially when it comes to cancer.  

Whether you are a victim of lung cancer or want to prevent it, right now:  

• stop smoking (including secondhand smoke) 
• eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and cruciferous vegetables 
• exercise 
• sleep well 
• clean the air your breath. 

However, stopping smoking is not easy, but you will succeed with determination and discipline. You can use certain products such as nicotine patches, quit smoking pills or tablets, and stop smoking herbal supplements. In addition, you can get support from parents, friends, and social groups. Doing the right thing is never easy, but with determination you can; make a decision to stop smoking today.  

Early detection - thanks to an early screening technique called DNA methylation profiling, researchers are able to identify molecular indices of lung cancer in their genesis. Methylation is an epigenetic process, causing diseases and reversible changes of gene expression. These abnormalities, if left untreated, could lead to the development of lung cancer.  

 Avoid exposure to carcinogens - cancer-causing substances, whether asbestos or other air pollutants can cause genetic mutations leading to cancer. As long as it is possible, avoid any work that exposes you to asbestos which mostly found in mines and some old buildings. In addition, avoid prolonged exposure to radon (estimated to cause about 21000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA), Chromium hexavalent (CrVI) compounds, propane etc. The following substances, although the risk is minimal, represent a risk for lung cancer if you inhale them very often:  

• arsenic 
• beryllium 
• vinyl chloride 
• nickel chromate 
• mustard gas 
• diesel exhaust 
• Talcum powder. 

Avoid air pollution - many studies have shown that some pathogenic pollutants suspended in the air are responsible for nearly 5% of deaths from cancer of the trachea, bronchi and lungs. These particles can be originated from combustion of coal, oil, natural gas, incineration of waste materials, and much more . Another destructive pollutant is asbestos; it is the major factor of mesothelioma, a rare form of incurable cancer. Therefore clean the air you breathe can also help your lungs to remain healthy.  

Fruits and cruciferous vegetables - consuming a diet rich in fruits and cruciferous vegetables have preventive effects on all types of cancer.  It is shown that people who eat a daily variety of fruits and vegetables have fewer problems related to free radicals. It is also shown that they have a lower risk of cancer among consumers of fruits and vegetables rich in beta carotene: sweet potatoes, broccoli, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, winter squash, etc. Even smokers - including second hand smokers- can beneficiate from regular eating of fruits and cruciferous vegetables.  

     Small Cell Lung Cancer Survival Rates