According to the Lung Cancer Association, roughly 541,000 Americans are currently living with a lung cancer diagnosis. Rates of fast-growing and aggressive small cell lung cancers (SCLC) are also on the rise. While studies show that small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients treated with Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) had a response rate of 35.2% and a disease control rate of 68.6%, prevention is still the best first line defense against cancer development. Here are 5 prevention tips for small cell lung cancer:

1) Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
Research from the Mayo Clinic indicates that smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increases the risk of several types of cancer—including small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, mouth cancer, throat and larynx cancer, and pancreatic and bladder cancer.

In fact, smoking tobacco and exposure to secondhand smoke is considered the number one contributing factor to the development of both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, and the driver for over 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in both female and male patients.

2) Test your home for radon
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that’s been long linked to lung cancer development. While radon gas is considered to be naturally-occurring and safe in our atmosphere in tiny amounts outdoors, indoor exposure over time is considered a major risk for lung cancer. Luckily, there are safe ways to test any indoor space for radon and manage its removal.

3) Avoid carcinogens at work
Doctors link several carcinogens to lung cancer development. In addition to smoking, exposure to carcinogens found in some workplaces (e.g. asbestos, cadmium, silica, nickel compounds, and chloromethyl ethers) can gradually damage the inner cell lining of the lungs and contribute to lung cancer development. To prevent carcinogenic lung damage, be sure to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when working around or handling carcinogens (i.e., safety goggles or a face shield, an impermeable apron and gloves, or a respirator).

4) Eat an antioxidant-rich diet
An antioxidant-rich diet, loaded with fruits and vegetables of all kinds, is also linked to lung cancer prevention. Fruits like dark berries, leafy green vegetables, and asparagus are particularly loaded with antioxidants, which helps the body fight cancer and aids healthy cell production. Research from the American Cancer Society notes that even past smokers can benefit from consuming more fruits and vegetables, counteracting lung damage from years of smoking.

5) Be physically active
Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active are also effective means of lowering your overall risk of lung cancer. In fact, most studies claim that regular physical exercise lowers lung cancer risk by up to 30% for females and 50% for male patients. Cardiovascular activity helps to boost immune function, lowers chronic inflammation, promotes pulmonary health, and aids in the release of toxins and carcinogens from the body via the lungs.