Health experts don’trecommend routinescreening for lungcancer. However, seeyour doctor if you havea recurring cough,hoarseness lastingmore than two weeks,trouble breathing, chestpain, or if you coughup blood—all could besigns of lung cancer.
Smoking causes most lung cancer,but women appear to be vulnerableto another risk factor—their genes.
Women with a family memberwho has been diagnosed with lungcancer are nearly three times as likelyto develop the disease, accordingto a new study. Men’s risk is nearlydoubled by having a close relativewith the disease.
Researchers have not found aspecific gene to blame, but it seemscertain inherited genetic patternsleave people more susceptible tolung cancer. Even nonsmokers faceincreased risk if their mother, father,or a sibling developed lung cancer.
Other causes of lung cancerinclude secondhand smoke andexposure to radon, an odorless,invisible gas that occurs naturallyin soil and rock.
Women can increase their oddsagainst lung cancer by avoidingcigarette smoke and other chemicalpollutants, and eating a healthy diet.Vegetables, fruit, and soy may helpward off the disease. Also, green teaand fresh fish are possibly helpful,according to research.