A new study has found a surprising link between healthy diets and a higher risk of lung cancer in non-smokers under age 50, especially women.
Researchers reported that younger non-smokers diagnosed with lung cancer had better diet quality than average, scoring 65 on the Healthy Eating Index compared to the national average of 57. Women in this group were diagnosed more often than men and also reported eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Scientists believe pesticide exposure could help explain the unexpected trend. They note that agricultural workers exposed to pesticides also show higher lung cancer rates, suggesting residues on produce may play a role.
The study also found that lung cancer in these younger patients appears biologically different from smoking-related cases. Researchers say more work is needed and plan to test patients’ blood and urine to determine whether specific chemicals are responsible.