Abstract
BackgroundInverse associations between cruciferous vegetable intake and lung cancer risk have been consistently reported. However, associations within smoking status subgroups have not been consistently addressed.MethodsWe conducted a hospital-based case-control study with lung cancer cases and controls matched on smoking status, and further adjusted for smoking status, duration, and intensity in the multivariate models. A total of 948 cases and 1743 controls were included in the analysis.ResultsInverse linear trends were observed between intake of fruits, total vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables and risk of lung cancer (ORs ranged from 0.53-0.70, with P for trend < 0.05). Interestingly, significant associations were observed for intake of fruits and total vegetables with lung cancer among never smokers. Conversely, significant inverse associations with cruciferous vegetable intake were observed primarily among smokers, in particular former smokers, although significant interactions were not detected between smoking and intake of any food group. Of four lung cancer histological subtypes, significant inverse associations were observed primarily among patients with squamous or small cell carcinoma - the two subtypes more strongly associated with heavy smoking.ConclusionsOur findings are consistent with the smoking-related carcinogen-modulating effect of isothiocyanates, a group of phytochemicals uniquely present in cruciferous vegetables. Our data support consumption of a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables may reduce the risk of lung cancer among smokers.
Highlights
Inverse associations between cruciferous vegetable intake and lung cancer risk have been consistently reported
Study population and case-control selection Data used in this study were collected from individuals receiving medical services at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) between 1982 and 1998 who participated in the Patient Epidemiology Data System (PEDS) study
When cruciferous vegetables were excluded from total vegetables, the associations were markedly attenuated and no longer statistically significant among former smokers, but the significant associations remained among never smokers
Summary
Inverse associations between cruciferous vegetable intake and lung cancer risk have been consistently reported. An estimated 29% of all cancer deaths in 2008 in the United States was expected from lung cancer [1]. Due to the poor survival rate, prevention has been the primary focus in fighting lung cancer. Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, contributing to 80-90% of lung cancer cases [2]. The primary public strategy to prevent lung cancer is to prevent initiation and promote cessation of smoking.
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