Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., with cigarette smoking as the number one cause, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society is encouraging smokers to lead healthier and cancer-free lives by quitting. Kim Durst with the American Cancer Society shares how smokers can take the first step in preventing lung cancer, “Quitting is hard. So it takes commitment along with a plan and it often takes more than one attempt to quit, and so getting help through counseling or a prescription medication can double or triple your chances of quitting successfully. Support is also so important, smoking cessation programs, telephone quitlines, the American Cancer Society has a Fresh Start program, nicotine anonymous meetings, self-help materials such as books and pamphlets, as well as smoking counselors or coaches can be (a) great help and also having the support of your family and friends when you’re going through all that.”

Screenings are highly recommended for those who are at high-risk for having lung cancer. High-risk patients are those 55-74 years old and have on average smoked a pack a day for 30 years, and currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.