Lung cancer typically affects older people, especially smokers.
However, according to the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, more cases are now being seen among non-smokers under the age of 50, particularly women.
At the same time, the overall number of lung cancer cases in the United States has declined since the 1980s, as fewer people smoke.
This new trend therefore stands out and has prompted researchers to investigate the causes more closely.
Also read: New technique tested in France could lead to more than 25 percent weight loss
A new study described by SciTechDaily, involving 187 patients, found that most had never smoked, and that their type of lung cancer also differs from the one typically seen in smokers.
Diet and data
The researchers examined participants’ diets using a scoring system. It showed that the young patients generally ate more healthily than the U.S. average.
They consumed more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The women in the study had the highest scores, which also aligns with the fact that more women in the group developed the disease.
The information is based on participants’ own responses about diet and lifestyle. This provides a good overview but cannot, on its own, explain the cause.
Also read: Early signs of kidney disease you should be aware of
Possible explanations
The researchers point to environmental factors as a possible explanation.
In particular, pesticides in food are highlighted, as these substances are often found in conventionally grown products.
Previous studies show that people with high exposure to pesticides, such as agricultural workers, are more likely to develop lung cancer.
In this study, however, exposure was not measured directly but was assessed based on existing data.
Also read: Common drugs show new promise against fatty liver
It is not necessarily healthy food itself that is the problem. Instead, substances in the environment surrounding the food may play a role in the development of lung cancer among young non-smokers.
Sources: SciTechDaily and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Also read: Your bedtime may increase the risk of heart disease