Preliminary findings presented at a major cancer conference suggest a potential association between high-quality diets and lung cancer risk in younger nonsmokers, though researchers emphasize the need for further study.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A preliminary study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting has identified a potential association between higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and lung cancer diagnoses among younger nonsmokers, raising new questions about environmental exposures tied to otherwise healthy diets.
Researchers from University of Southern California analyzed 187 lung cancer patients under age 50 and found that participants had an average Healthy Eating Index score of 65, compared to a national average of 57, according to reporting by Everyday Health. The findings were also cited in coverage by Healthline, though the study has not yet undergone peer review.
Lead researcher Dr. Jorge Nieva, a medical oncologist at USC Norris, said the results point to a possible environmental factor affecting lung cancer risk. He stated the findings “raise important questions about an unknown environmental risk factor for lung cancer related to otherwise beneficial food.”
The researchers suggested pesticide residue on conventionally grown produce as a possible explanation, noting prior studies linking high levels of pesticide exposure—particularly among agricultural workers—to increased lung cancer rates.
Experts say the findings come amid a broader trend. While overall lung cancer rates in the United States have declined alongside reduced smoking, cases among nonsmokers under 50 have not followed the same pattern. Younger women, in particular, are now more likely than men to be diagnosed, according to the report.
Jimmy Johannes, who was not involved in the study, described the trend as “quite concerning” and said it underscores the need for further research into non-smoking-related risk factors.
Researchers also noted that the type of lung cancer observed in these patients differs biologically from smoking-related cases, suggesting a distinct underlying cause. A 2023 review in Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology cited increasing cancer rates among individuals under 50 and pointed to environmental carcinogens as a possible contributing factor.
Some experts cautioned against drawing firm conclusions. Dana Hunnes, who was not part of the study, told Healthline that pesticides and herbicides are toxic substances designed to eliminate pests and may contaminate the food supply. At the same time, Melissa Mroz-Planells emphasized that the study does not directly measure pesticide exposure and that extensive evidence continues to show that diets rich in plant-based foods are associated with lower cancer risk.
Consumer testing cited in the report found that roughly one in five foods in the United States carries a higher risk of pesticide contamination, including residues of certain banned chemicals.
Additional specialists highlighted limitations of the research. George Chaux said that while pesticides are recognized carcinogens, elevated cancer risk is typically associated with high levels of exposure, such as those experienced in occupational settings. He advised proper washing of produce rather than reducing consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Dietitian Amy Bragagnini recommended rinsing produce thoroughly under cold water and, when possible, sourcing food locally or growing it independently to reduce potential exposure.
The study’s authors said future research will focus on measuring pesticide levels directly in patients’ blood and urine to better evaluate any causal relationship. They also noted that genetic factors and other environmental influences may contribute to the observed patterns.
Researchers said the findings are intended to guide further investigation rather than alter current dietary recommendations, as the established health benefits of fruit- and vegetable-rich diets remain supported by existing evidence.
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