Non-smokers under the age of 50 who consume a diet heavy in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have a higher risk of developing lung cancer, according to a recent study.
Interestingly, the researchers discovered that lung cancer patients under 50 frequently had better-than-average diets, suggesting that pesticide exposure from conventionally grown produce may be a hidden cause. The researchers further supported the theory with their observation that agricultural workers who are exposed to pesticides frequently have higher rates of lung cancer.
“Our research shows that younger non-smokers who eat a higher quantity of healthy foods than the general population are more likely to develop lung cancer,” said Jorge Nieva, MD, a medical oncologist and lung cancer specialist with USC Norris and lead investigator of the study.
“These counter-intuitive findings raise important questions about an unknown environmental risk factor for lung cancer related to otherwise beneficial food that needs to be addressed.”
Pesticide levels in these otherwise healthy foods may be to blame
The researchers observed that compared to many processed foods, meat, and dairy, commercially produced non-organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains usually have higher pesticide levels.
The study’s participants had never smoked and had a type of lung cancer that was biologically distinct from smoking-related lung cancer.
Researchers also found that women tend to eat more produce and whole grains than men, and that young women who do not smoke have a higher incidence of lung cancer than men. The link between pesticides and lung cancer in young people, especially women, needs more research, however, according to Dr. Nieva.
Nieva stated that the next step is to measure pesticide levels directly in patient blood or urine samples to confirm any connection. This may also help determine whether certain pesticides pose a higher risk of lung cancer than others.
“This work represents a critical step toward identifying modifiable environmental factors that may contribute to lung cancer in young adults,” said Dr. Nieva. “Our hope is that these insights can guide both public health recommendations and future investigation into lung cancer prevention.”