November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month! At the Community Care Clinic in Boone, North Carolina, we care deeply about your health and want to help you understand how to stay healthy. Today, we’re talking about lung cancer and the things in the environment that can cause it. This is important for everyone, especially those living in rural areas like Southern Appalachia.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a disease where cells in the lungs grow out of control. It can be very serious, but there are ways to lower your risk and catch it early. Lung cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk. Understanding these factors can help you take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Environmental Causes of Lung Cancer
There are many things in the environment that can increase the risk of lung cancer. Here are some key lung cancer risk factors:
- Radon Exposure: Radon is a gas that comes from the ground. It can get into homes and buildings. Breathing in radon can increase the risk of lung cancer. Testing your home for radon is important. Radon is invisible and odorless, making it hard to detect without proper testing. In rural areas, homes are often built on land with higher radon levels, so it’s crucial to test and mitigate if necessary.
- Asbestos: Asbestos is a material that was used in buildings and products. When asbestos fibers are in the air, they can be breathed in and cause lung cancer. If you live in an older home, it might have asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials like insulation, roofing, and flooring. If these materials are disturbed, they can release asbestos fibers into the air.
- Air Pollution: Dirty air from cars, factories, and other sources can harm your lungs. Breathing in polluted air over time can increase the risk of lung cancer. Even in rural areas, air pollution can be a problem due to agricultural activities, wood-burning stoves, and nearby industrial sites. Long-term exposure to polluted air can damage lung tissue and lead to cancer.
- Secondhand Smoke: Breathing in smoke from other people’s cigarettes can also cause lung cancer. It’s important to avoid places where people are smoking. Secondhand smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals that smokers inhale. Even brief exposure can be dangerous, especially for children and non-smokers.
Rural Health Risks
Living in rural areas can sometimes mean higher exposure to these risks. For example, older homes in rural areas might have more radon or asbestos. Air pollution can also be a problem, even in the countryside. Rural areas often lack the resources and infrastructure to address these issues effectively. Limited access to healthcare and information can make it harder for people to protect themselves from environmental risks.
Preventing Lung Cancer
There are steps you can take to lower your risk of lung cancer:
- Preventative Care: Regular check-ups can help catch problems early. Our free healthcare clinic offers affordable healthcare and screenings. Preventative care includes regular visits to your healthcare provider, screenings for lung cancer, and vaccinations to protect against infections that can increase cancer risk.
- Early Detection: Finding lung cancer early can make it easier to treat. If you have a cough that doesn’t go away or trouble breathing, see a doctor. Early detection methods include low-dose CT scans, which can identify lung cancer at an early stage when it is more treatable.
- Community Health Education: Learn about the dangers of secondhand smoke and other risks. Share this information with your family and friends. Community health education programs can provide valuable information on how to reduce exposure to environmental risks and promote healthy behaviors.
Understanding Radon Exposure
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, and floors. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Testing for radon is simple and inexpensive. If high levels are found, there are ways to reduce radon levels in your home, such as sealing cracks and increasing ventilation. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) provides more information about radon for North Carolina residents HERE. NCDHHS has previously offered free radon test kits during January, which is Radon Awareness Month. You can purchase discounted radon test kits from Kansas State University. More information about the testing process and discounted test kits can be found on the NCDHHS website, HERE.
The Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos was widely used in construction materials until the late 20th century. When these materials are disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled. Long-term exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious health problems. If you suspect your home contains asbestos, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional and, if necessary, removed safely.
Air Pollution and Lung Cancer
Air pollution is a mix of harmful substances, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants can come from vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and natural sources like wildfires. Long-term exposure to air pollution can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of lung cancer. Reducing air pollution requires both individual actions, like reducing car use, and community efforts, such as advocating for cleaner air policies.
The Impact of Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and can cause cancer. Non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20-30%. Protecting yourself and your family from secondhand smoke involves creating smoke-free environments and supporting policies that limit smoking in public places.
The Role of Preventative Care
Preventative care is essential for reducing the risk of lung cancer. This includes regular health check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations. We provide vaccinations against infections like the flu, which can weaken the lungs and increase cancer risk.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Early detection of lung cancer can make a significant difference in treatment success. Symptoms of lung cancer can include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Reducing Lung Cancer Risk
There are many ways to reduce your risk of lung cancer:
- Avoid Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. Our clinic offers resources and support to help you quit smoking.
- Test for Radon: Make sure your home is tested for radon and take steps to reduce levels if necessary.
- Avoid Asbestos: If you live in an older home, have it inspected for asbestos and take steps to remove it safely.
- Reduce Air Pollution: Limit your exposure to air pollution by avoiding outdoor activities on high pollution days and using air purifiers in your home.
- Avoid Secondhand Smoke: Create a smoke-free environment at home and support policies that limit smoking in public places.
- Regular Check-Ups: Visit your healthcare provider regularly for check-ups and screenings.
How The Community Care Clinic Can Help
Our non-profit healthcare clinic is dedicated to providing affordable healthcare to everyone. We offer a range of services to help you reduce your risk of lung cancer, including:
- Screenings and Check-Ups: We provide regular health check-ups and screenings to help detect lung cancer early.
- Smoking Cessation Programs: We offer resources and support to help you quit smoking and reduce your risk of lung cancer.
- Community Resource Referrals: Our Community Resource Center is staffed by Masters and Bachelors Social Work students from Appalachian State University. These students are here for you if you need help finding free or low-cost assistance with things like radon testing, asbestos inspections and removal, and air quality education. They can also help with other community resources for issues like food insecurity and hunger, housing assistance, childcare support, and more.
Conclusion
Understanding the environmental causes of lung cancer and taking steps to reduce your risk can help keep you and your family healthy. Visit the Community Care Clinic in Boone for more information and support. Together, we can work towards preventing lung cancer and improving health in our rural community.
Stay healthy and take care!