Scientists have identified what kinds of food can increase or decrease a person's risk for lung cancer. Unsurprisingly, the best way to stave off the deadly disease is by maintaining a healthy diet.
In a new study published on Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers found that people who regularly eat high-glycemic foods have a higher chance of developing lung cancer than those who have a low-glycemic diet.
"Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary factors may modulate lung cancer risk," said lead researcher Dr. Xifeng Wu. "Diets high in fruits and vegetables may decrease risk while increased consumption of red meat, saturated fats and dairy products have been shown to increase lung cancer risk."
High-glycemic foods are those that have excessive amounts of carbohydrates which can pump up a person's blood glucose level. According to Diabetes.com, foods under this category include rice cakes, white bread, corn flakes, lentils, kidney beans, sweet potatoes and instant oatmeal.
When a person's blood glucose level is high, the body speeds up its production of insulin. The surplus of insulin then precipitates the rise in insulin-growth factors, which are strongly linked to lung cancer.
"The results from this study suggest that, besides maintaining healthy lifestyles, such as avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption and being physically active, reducing the consumption of foods and beverages with high glycemic index may serve as a means to lower the risk of lung cancer," Dr. Wu concluded.
The American Cancer Society indicated that lung cancer is the second most prevalent form of cancer, causing the most deaths in both men and women compared to breast, prostate and colon cancer. It predominantly affects people who are 65 or older. Only two percent of lung cancer patients are 45 and below.
More people die of lung cancer annually, with 160,000 expected casualties in 2016. US health officials expect 224,390 new cases of lung cancer this year.
