- A new study indicates that Americans under 50 who do not smoke but follow healthier diets may be at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
- Researchers at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center suggest that pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables could be a contributing factor to this unexpected risk.
- The study observed that young women who do not smoke are diagnosed with lung cancer at a greater rate than men of the same age, and they also reported higher consumption of fruits and vegetables.
- Participants with early-onset lung cancer, who were predominantly non-smokers, exhibited higher Healthy Eating Index scores and consumed more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains than the average American.
- Further research is needed to confirm the direct link between pesticide exposure and lung cancer in young, non-smoking adults, with future studies aiming to measure pesticide levels directly.
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