New research questions role of diet in lung cancer cases among younger non-smokers

New research presented at a major cancer conference is raising questions about whether a traditionally “healthy” diet could carry unexpected risks for younger adults.

The study, shared by the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, suggests a potential link between high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and increased lung cancer risk in non-smokers under the age of 50.

Researchers emphasized that the issue is not the produce itself, but possible pesticide exposure associated with conventionally grown, non-organic foods.

The research, part of the Epidemiology of Young Lung Cancer Project, analyzed 187 patients diagnosed with lung cancer before age 50.

Findings showed that participants had an average Healthy Eating Index score of 65 higher than the U.S. national average of 57, indicating generally healthier diets than the population at large.

Patients reported consuming an average of 4.3 servings of dark green vegetables daily. The study also found that women in this age group were being diagnosed with lung cancer more frequently than men.

While lung cancer is most commonly diagnosed around age 71, the study highlights a concerning rise in cases among younger never-smokers, particularly women, despite decades of declining smoking rates in the United States.

Lead researcher Nieva noted that the findings point toward possible environmental contributors that warrant further investigation.

“This work represents a critical step toward identifying modifiable environmental factors that may contribute to lung cancer in young adults,” Nieva said.

However, researchers cautioned that pesticide exposure was estimated indirectly through dietary categories rather than measured directly in the body.

Future phases of the study aim to analyze blood and urine samples to identify specific chemical exposures.