Study links diet high in vegetables and fruit with increased cancer risk

• 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.

IN FULL

Eating more fruits and vegetables could put you at risk for this cancer