Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Decreases Lung Cancer Risk

According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Cancer, high intake of fruits and vegetables significantly lowers the incidence of lung cancer, even among smokers.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the world. Once lung cancer has spread from its site of origin, cure rates remain suboptimal. Although several advances in the treatment of lung cancer have recently emerged, overall long-term survival for patients with this disease remains low. Therefore, preventing the disease altogether, or at least reducing the risk of its development, would provide significant benefit.

Several studies have suggested that dietary factors may play a significant role in prevention and potential outcomes of various types of cancer. In particular, intake of fruits and vegetables appears to play an important role in protecting individuals from developing certain cancers (supplements, however, have not demonstrated these protective effects). Research continues to investigate a potential link between consumption of certain foods and cancer prevention.

Researchers from Europe recently conducted a study to evaluate data recorded between 1992 and 2000 that included nearly 500,000 individuals. Patients were followed for a median of over six years.

Overall, there was an increased risk of lung cancer among individuals as their consumption of fruit decreased.
Individuals had a 10% reduction in the incidence of lung cancer with each 100-gram increase in daily fruit intake.
Lung cancer was decreased among smokers who had a high intake of vegetables.
Among smokers there was a 22% decreased incidence of lung cancer with each 100-gram increase in daily vegetable intake and an 8% decreased incidence with each 100-gram increase in daily fruit consumption.
Overall, increased apple and pear consumption was associated with a decreased incidence of lung cancer.
Among smokers increased consumption of root vegetables was associated with a decreased incidence of lung cancer.
The researchers concluded that these results provide further evidence that increased fruit and vegetable consumption appears to lower the risk of developing cancer. This study in particular noted that fruit consumption decreased the risk of developing lung cancer overall and vegetable consumption decreased the risk of developing the disease among smokers. Individuals are encouraged to increase their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables to improve their chances of preventing specific diseases such as cancer.

Reference: [1]Linseisen J, Rohrmann S, Miller A, et al. Fruit and vegetable consumption and lung cancer risk: updated information from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). International Journal of Cancer. 2007;121:1103-1114.

Related News: High Intake of Vegetables and Fruit Reduces Risk of Lung Cancer (02/22/2007)

Smoking Associated with Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer

According to an article recently published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, smoking increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

A current focus in cancer research is the study of environmental factors and risks of developing certain types of cancer. Smoking tobacco products has been implicated in an increased risk of developing several types of cancers; research continues to investigate associations between smoking and risks of cancers as well as innovative ways to promote smoking cessation. Prior studies have suggested that smoking may be associated with an increased risk in the development of colorectal cancer; however, data regarding this association has been conflicting.

Researchers from Hawaii recently conducted a clinical study to evaluate potential associations between smoking and colorectal cancer. The study included male and female individuals from several different ethnicities; both smokers and non-smokers were included. Rates of colorectal cancer were evaluated in association with smoking.

Individuals who had ever smoked had an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer compared with individuals who had never smoked.
Individuals who smoked the most had an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Individuals who smoked non-filtered cigarettes had an increased risk of both colon and rectal cancer.
Individuals who smoked filtered cigarettes had an increased risk of rectal cancer but not colon cancer.
These researchers concluded that smoking increases the risk of colorectal cancer, with a greater number of cigarettes smoked during a lifetime adding to this risk. In addition, filtered cigarettes are associated with an increased risk of rectal cancer whereas non-filtered cigarettes are associated with an increased risk of both colon and rectal cancer. Individuals who are smokers may wish to speak with their physician regarding smoking cessation programs.

Reference: Luchtenborg M, White K, Wilkens L, Kolonel L, Le Marchand L. Smoking and colorectal cancer: different effects by type of cigarettes? Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. 2007;16:1341-1347.

Radium-223 Shows Promise Against Bone Metastases in Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer

According to the results of a study published in Lancet Oncology, injection of the radioactive substance radium-223 produced relatively few side effects and improved a measure of bone turnover in men with hormone refractory prostate cancer and bone metastases.
Bone is one of the most common locations in the body to which cancer metastasizes, or spreads. The major cancer types that tend to metastasize to bone include multiple myeloma, breast, prostate, lung, kidney, and thyroid cancers. Bone metastases cause damage that may make the bone more susceptible to complications such as pain and fractures.
The goal of treatment for bone metastases is to relieve pain and reduce the risk of fracture. Treatment may consist of surgery, radiation therapy, pain medications, and/or bisphosphonate drugs.
One type of radiation therapy is called radiopharmaceutical therapy. This approach involves the injection of a radioactive substance, such as strontium-89 or samarium-153, into a vein. The substance is attracted to areas of bone that contain cancer. Providing radiation directly to the bone in this way destroys active cancer cells in the bone and can relieve symptoms. Common side effects of strontium-89 and samarium-153, however, include low levels of platelets and white blood cells.
Radium-223 is a type of radiopharmaceutical therapy that may produce fewer side effects. To explore radium-223 in the treatment of men with hormone refractory prostate cancer and bone metastases, researchers conducted a Phase II clinical trial among 64 patients. Study participants were treated with either radium-223 or a placebo for 12 weeks.
Treatment with radium-223 reduced levels of bone-alkaline phosphatase (a marker of bone turnover).
There was a suggestion that radium-223 decreased the risk of skeletal-related events such as increasing pain or fracture.
Median overall survival was 65 weeks in patients treated with radium-223 and 46 weeks in patients treated with placebo.
Radium-223 did not appear to increase the risk of blood-related adverse effects compared to placebo.
The researchers concluded that radium-223 was well tolerated and produced promising effects on bone, and that larger studies of this agent are warranted.
Reference: Nilsson S, Franzén L, Parker C et al. Bone-targeted radium-223 in symptomatic, hormone-refractory prostate cancer: a randomized, multicentre, placebo-controlled Phase II study. Lancet Oncology. 2007;8:587-94.