Recommendations for Lung Cancer Prevention from the World’s Leading Cancer Organizations

Modify your diet to decrease your risk of lung cancer

Cancers that start in the lungs are the most fatal type of cancers in Canada. Every day, 57 Canadians die from lung or bronchus cancer, and an additional 82 Canadians are diagnosed with the disease$^{1}$. In the United States, one person dies from lung cancer every 4 minutes, leading it to have the lowest survival rate among the common cancers$^{2}$. Smoking is the greatest risk factor for developing lung cancer. Quitting smoking, even after having smoked for years, can still greatly reduce one’s risk of developing lung cancer$^{3}$.

Methods

The infographic and recommendations described in this article were created based on the combined nutritional information accumulated from some of the largest and most referenced prostate cancer organizations. We also summarize each organization’s recommendations independently.

General Anticancer Eating Habits

For general cancer prevention, see our Cancer Fighting Food Recommendation Article that was created using a similar methodology, but for all cancers.

Overall Lung Cancer Prevention Nutritional Recommendations

Maintaining a healthy weight and blood sugar level is essential for lung cancer prevention$^{4}$. It is recommended that body mass index is kept below 25 kg/m$^{2}$ $^{4}$. This can be accomplished through eating a balanced diet that meets nutritional requirements while keeping high-fat and processed foods to a minimum$^{4,5}$. Fruits and vegetables should make up half of the plate at every meal$^{5}$. At least 5 servings (400 g) of fruits and vegetables should be consumed daily$^{6}$. It is important to consume whole grains for antioxidants instead of taking high-dose antioxidant supplements which can potentially be unhealthy or interfere with cancer treatment down the line$^{5}$.  Red meat should be kept to a maximum of 3 portions (350 – 500 g) per week. Processed meat should be limited or avoided all together$^{6,7}$.  Instead, protein should come from fish, poultry, and beans$^{7}$. Do not avoid sugar completely, but also do not consume a high amount of processed sugar$^{5}$.

Explanation, Tips, and Examples

📄 Detailed Lung Cancer Prevention Notes by Anticancer.ca

Weight Management and Blood Sugar Levels: Maintaining a healthy bodyweight and blood sugar level is associated with cancer prevention$^{5}$. This can be accomplished through consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables$^{5}$. Fruits and Vegetables: As mentioned in our general cancer article, the recommendation is to eat a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables in order to obtain various vitamins and minerals. Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage are examples of cruciferous vegetables that are recommended by the Canadian Cancer Society$^{8}$. Fruits and vegetables are associated with lung cancer prevention for both smokers and non-smokers$^{7}$. Whole grains: Whole grains are an important source of fiber that can be found in oatmeal, whole wheat breads, brown rice, and whole grain pastas$^{9}$. Protein: When choosing meats to consume the required daily intake of protein, pick lean meats such as fish, chicken, or turkey, over red and unprocessed meats. Lean proteins are good for cell and tissue strength, and can also be found in products beyond meat such as eggs, low-fat dairy products (i.e. yogurt, milk, and cheese), nuts, beans, and soy products$^{9}$. Fats: When preparing foods, choose foods that are baked, grilled, or boiled instead of more fried or greasy foods. Prepare food with healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds$^{9}$. Isoflavones: There is a small chance that consuming isoflavones, such as soy products, is associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer$^{6,10}$. Vitamin C: Multiple sources report some association with Vitamin C consumption and lung cancer prevention$^{7,10}$. Antioxidants: Antioxidants can be found in fruits (particularly berries), dark-green vegetables, and whole grains such as oats and fish$^{5}$. It is better to get antioxidants from whole foods as supplements do not show any association to a decreased risk of lung cancer$^{7}$. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that is associated with lung cancer risk in smokers, and therefore should be avoided to prevent risk.

Summary

All the recommendations for lung cancer prevention agree with the general cancer prevention recommendations. Throughout the article, it is emphasized where certain foods or nutrients will either increase or decrease risk based on whether an individual is a regular smoker. When it comes to antioxidants, which are known to fight cancer, it is essential that they are consumed through whole foods and that supplements are avoided. It is also stated across a variety of reputable organizations that consuming beta-carotene as a smoker can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. To have your institution recommendations included or to modify the recommendations presented from your institution email info@anticancer.ca. Subscribe for future work that will include recommendations for other specific cancers. We will also feature the reasoning and evidence behind certain recommendations, and reviews of primary research papers and randomized clinical controlled trials that investigate specific nutrients and supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Lung and bronchus cancer statistics. Canadian Cancer Society. (2022).
2. Lung Cancer Facts: 29 Statistics and Figures. Lung Cancer Foundation of America.
3. Lung Cancer. Mayo Clinic. (2022).
4. Lung Cancer Prevention. John Hopkins Medicine.
5. Nutrition and Lung Cancer Prevention. American Lung Association.
6. Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective. Continuous Update Project Expert Report 2018. Recommendations and public health and policy implications. World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. (2018).
7. Rock, C. et al. American Cancer Society guideline for Diet and physical activity for cancer prevention. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 70, 245–271. (2020).
8. Reducing your risk for lung cancer. Canadian Cancer Society. (2020).
9. Lung Cancer Nutrition. Sarah Cannon.
10. Decreasing the Risk. GO2 FOR LUNG CANCER. (2018).

About This Article

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• Recommendations for Lung Cancer Prevention from the World’s Leading Cancer Organizations
• Methods
• General Anticancer Eating Habits
• Overall Lung Cancer Prevention Nutritional Recommendations
• Explanation, Tips, and Examples
• Summary
• Frequently Asked Questions
• References
• About This Article
• Disclaimer