Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death among the people. Cigarette smoking is the major risk factor for the cause of lung cancer. Though it may occur in non-smokers as well, but the probability of having this disease among heavy smokers is very high. A new study published in Frontiers in Oncology suggests that a diet rich in antioxidants may protect people from lung cancer. According to this study, diets high in carotenoids and Vitamin C work to reduce the risk of lung cancer especially among the heavy smokers. The lead author Martine Shareck said, “Our results suggest that vitamin C protects against lung cancer in women who have never smoked, something that to our knowledge has not been reported previously.”
The antioxidants that were associated with lower lung cancer risk included beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin. They have shown to reduce risk in female moderate smokers as well as non-smokers.
It is the first study to consider two key smoking history factors for lung cancer. These are smoking duration and the time since quitting. The data from a case-control study of lung cancer was used to examine the role of antioxidants by the intensity of smoking.
The co-author Marie-Élise Parent of the INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier Research Centre said, “Both medium and high intakes of beta-cryptoxanthin and lycopene reduced the risk of small cell carcinoma.”
Thus, this lung cancer study focuses on the role of diet on the occurrence of lung cancer. The authors conclude that it is desirable to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables that are rich in carotenoids and Vitamin C. This diet works to reduce the risk of lung cancer among smokers as well as non-smokers.
What do you think? Can diet help in reducing lung cancer risk? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.