A new study from USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC, presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, suggests that Americans under the age of 50 who do not smoke but eat diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may face a higher risk of developing lung cancer. The findings were released on Apr. 17.
This research challenges common beliefs about healthy eating and its role in reducing cancer risk. Traditionally, such diets are recommended to lower the chance of various diseases including cancer.
The researchers speculate that pesticides used on commercially produced (non-organic) fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could be responsible for this increased risk. "Commercially produced (non-organic) fruits, vegetables and whole grains are more likely to be associated with a higher residue of pesticides than dairy, meat and many processed foods," said Jorge Nieva. He also pointed out that agricultural workers exposed to pesticides typically have higher rates of lung cancer.
The study found that young women who do not smoke have a higher incidence of lung cancer than men in the same group and tend to consume more produce and whole grains. Lung cancer has usually been seen as affecting older adults—average onset age is 71—and smokers more than non-smokers or women.
To investigate these trends further, researchers surveyed 187 patients diagnosed with lung cancer by age 50 through the Epidemiology of Young Lung Cancer Project. Most participants had never smoked and had types of lung cancers biologically different from those linked to smoking. Using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), they found these patients averaged an HEI score higher than the national average—65 compared to 57—and consumed more servings daily of dark green vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Nieva said further research is needed into pesticide exposure as a possible cause: "The next step...is to confirm the link by directly measuring pesticide levels in blood or urine samples from patients." He added: "This work represents a critical step toward identifying modifiable environmental factors that may contribute to lung cancer in young adults...Our hope is that these insights can guide both public health recommendations and future investigation into lung cancer prevention." The research was supported by several organizations including Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute as well as grants from National Institutes of Health.
