Dietary Intake and the Development of Lung Cancer

Worldwide, lung cancer is the most common cancer and is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Prevention, early detection, and treatment are key approaches for reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Early detection of lung cancer has not been successful and the survival rate remains low. Therefore, prevention is becoming increasingly important. Strategies for reducing lung cancer risk include avoiding primary and secondary tobacco smoke, as well as avoiding environmental agents such as asbestos and air pollution. Increasingly, diet is receiving attention as a preventative modality in lung cancer. This chapter reviews current literature on fruits and vegetables, antioxidants, folic acid, phytoestrogens, alcohol, fat, and β-carotene supplements in the prevention of lung cancer.