Lung Cancer prevention in young people

Lung Cancer🫁: Why Young, Healthy People Are at Risk and How to Protect Yourself

I want to share a personal story that changed everything for me and my family. My brother, at just 39 years old, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Now, you might be thinking—how could this happen to someone who's healthy? He’s physically fit, doesn’t smoke, takes care of his mental health, and eats right. It didn’t seem to add up.

But here's the thing: even young, healthy people are getting lung cancer. This is a wake-up call for all of us, especially those who think they're immune to it. My brother’s story is a reminder that lung cancer doesn’t just affect smokers, and sometimes, even when the signs are there, people aren’t getting the care they need in time.

The Surprising Truth: Why Lung Cancer Is Affecting Young People

Lung cancer rates have been rising in young people, even those who have never smoked. While smoking is still the leading cause, things like exposure to secondhand smoke, pollution, and radon gas are contributing to this worrying trend. We’re also seeing a shift in how lung cancer is detected—or rather, how it’s missed. My brother had symptoms: a cough, chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. But no one thought to order a chest X-ray. His diagnosis came late, but it doesn’t have to be that way for others.

Steps You Can Take Now to Protect Yourself

We can all do our part in preventing lung cancer from affecting more young people. Here's how:

1. Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke: This one’s a no-brainer. Don’t smoke, and avoid places where others are smoking. Even if you’re not smoking yourself, exposure to secondhand smoke can be just as harmful.

   

2. Get Your Home Tested for Radon: You can’t see or smell radon, but it’s a deadly gas that can increase your risk for lung cancer. Test your home, and if radon levels are high, take steps to fix the problem.

   

3. Stay Active and Eat Well: Regular exercise and a healthy diet do wonders for your lungs. A healthy body is a strong body—especially when it comes to fighting off diseases like cancer.

4. Pay Attention to Symptoms: If you notice any of the common symptoms of lung cancer, like a persistent cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath, don’t ignore them. Be proactive and advocate for yourself—ask your doctor about getting a chest X-ray if necessary.

Raising Awareness Together

Lung cancer doesn’t discriminate. It’s time we take the rising rates seriously and start making changes in how we care for our health. I’m raising my voice to make sure more young people get the right screenings and take action early. But we need more people talking about this issue.

Your Turn: Have you ever heard of someone, young or old, being diagnosed with lung cancer without the typical risk factors? What steps do you think should be taken to prevent more cases? Drop a comment below and let’s start the conversation. Together, we can raise awareness and make a difference.