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The issue: Lung cancer

Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer deaths in men—and it’s also one of the most preventable. Despite antismoking campaigns, almost one out of every five young men continues to take up smoking because of the addictive quality of nicotine and the growing popularity of e-cigarettes.

What to do:

More than 90 percent of lung cancers in men are the result of smoking. If you’re a smoker, find support by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW and consider behavioral therapy and/or nicotine replacement therapy. Other risk factors for lung cancer include exposure to toxins, such as radon gas and asbestos, a family history of cancer and secondhand smoke.

Environmental lung disease affects men most often from exposure in their places of work—and it’s caused by inhaling harmful particles, mists, vapors and gases. If your job places you at risk for inhaling these substances, wear a face mask to reduce the number of tiny particles that can attach to the mucus in your nose and mouth and eventually make their way to your lungs.

What to eat:

Choose foods high in vitamin C, carotenoids and magnesium, nutrients that support lung health. Foods that are a good source of all three of those nutrients are cantaloupe, apples, broccoli, citrus, avocados and carrots.