Understanding the Connection between Lung Cancer, Fruits, and Vegetables
Recent research has discovered a surprising correlation between the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and an increased incidence of early onset lung cancer in nonsmokers. This finding, however, does not suggest that these healthy foods cause cancer. Instead, it is believed that the pesticides used on these foods might be a contributing factor.
Interestingly, a similar correlation was found among women who take birth control pills.
Lung Cancer in America: An Overview
Overall, lung cancer death rates have dramatically decreased since the 1990s. The number of new cases among men has been declining since the mid-80s, and for women, since the mid-2000s. But, there's a growing concern about a different trend: an increase in lung cancer rates among younger nonsmokers, especially women.
The Recent Study Explained
The research team sought to understand this trend by analyzing data from a nationwide study focused on cancer mutations. They studied 187 patients with early onset lung cancer, with women making up 78% of the group.
The patients were divided into groups based on the biological pathways that drove their tumors. The team also collected epidemiological survey data, including smoking history, birth control use, dietary habits, and more. The majority of the patients from each group were nonsmokers.
Uncovering a Surprising Link
The researchers discovered an unexpected correlation between dietary choices and risk among the nonsmokers with early onset lung cancer. Using a diet quality index, they found that two groups had healthier-than-average diets. In fact, they had a roughly 13% higher score than the average American adult.
These groups also consumed more servings of dark green vegetables, legumes, and whole grains compared to the average adult. Despite this correlation, the researchers emphasized that this doesn't mean healthy foods cause cancer. Instead, it highlights the need to explore the environmental factors involved in growing these foods.
The lead researcher of the study said, "There is a lot of work to be done, from measuring pesticide metabolites in lung cancer patients, to looking at different geographies and relative uses of different specific chemical substances." Since not all pesticides are the same, the team needs to understand the biological effects of each one.
Another Connection: Oral Contraceptives
The study also found that the use of birth control pills was notably higher among female participants in two groups. It's important to note that this doesn't mean birth control pills cause lung cancer. However, it does open up another area to explore to understand why cases of early onset lung cancer are on the rise, particularly among women.
Why Women?
The lead researcher also touched on why women might be more affected. He explained that the mutations that contribute to early onset lung cancer are more common in females. In particular, the most common subtype, EGFR, more commonly expresses estrogen receptors, especially in women. Furthermore, he noted that chemicals disrupting the endocrine system are used in pesticides.
He concluded, "In our study and for the U.S. on average, women seem to have much healthier diets than men, and this might mean greater relative exposure to any contaminants that may be in whole grains, fruits and vegetables."