Nearly 200,000 adults in the United States were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states. Lung-cancer risk factors include radon exposure, tobacco smoke and family history. As with all cancers, an anti-oxidant-rich diet full of fruits, vegetables and beans can reduce your risk. Additionally, specific diets aim to prevent lung cancer.
Mediterranean Diet
Eating patterns with elements of the Mediterranean diet may reduce lung cancer risk, C. Fortes of the Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata reports. In research published in the May 2003 issue of "Nutrition and Cancer," Fortes looked into dietary patterns and lung cancer risk in a group of 600 adults. Those who ate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and sage had a significantly lower risk of lung cancer than those who avoided these foods. Vitamin A- and C-rich carrots and tomatoes were found to be especially protective. To eat a Mediterranean-style diet, limit the amount of red meat, sugar and refined grains in your diet. Instead, eat seafood, vegetables, olive oil, nuts and whole grains regularly.
DASH Diet
The DASH diet was designed to treat high blood pressure. However, it has evolved as a diet to promote overall health and weight control. The tenets are to eat a low-sodium diet rich in vegetables, fruits and grains. The diet emphasizes low-fat dairy products such as skim milk, yogurt and cottage cheese. A. Kubík of Charles University found that eating dairy products regularly reduced risk of lung cancer. In research published in the January 2007 issue of "Neoplasma," eating dairy products was associated with a 50 percent lower risk of lung cancer when compared to people who avoided dairy foods.
Ornish Diet
The Ornish diet is a very low-fat eating plan designed by cardiologist Dean Ornish. The diet limits total fat intake to less than 10 percent of total calories. Low-fat diets can reduce cancer risk, the National Institutes of Health reports. The Ornish diet is rich in fresh produce and grains. The NIH adds that these foods contain cancer-fighting nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and anti-oxidants. Vitamin C-rich foods allowed on the Ornish diet, including oranges and apples, may be particularly effective in reducing lung-cancer risk, the NIH says.
References
- CDC: Lung Cancer Statistics
- PubMed.gov: "Nutrition and Cancer": The Protective Effect of the Mediterranean Diet on Lung Cancer
- PubMed.gov: "Neoplasma": Interactions Between Smoking and other Exposures Associated With Lung Cancer Risk in Women: Diet and Physical Activity
- MayoClinic.com: DASH Diet
- NIH: Diet and Cancer
