Diet may modify radon-related lung cancer risk

Roman Bystrianyk · medicine forum Guru Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 454

"Diet may modify radon-related lung cancer risk", Reuters, May 20,
2005,
Link:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=8558244

A study conducted in an area of Italy where residential radon levels
are high confirms that the risk of lung cancer increases in step with
levels of radon exposure, but that the Mediterranean diet may modify
the effects.

In the study, researchers examined the association between indoor radon
exposure and lung cancer in 384 "case" patients with lung cancer and
404 control patients without lung cancer. They considered the potential
role of smoking, diet, and other risk factors.

The researchers determined residential history during the 30-year
period ending 5 years prior to enrollment. Radon detectors were placed
in the main bedroom and the living room in each residence for two
consecutive 6-month periods.

Confirming prior studies, the researchers found a positive link between
indoor radon and lung cancer. The odds of developing lung cancer rose
with increasing levels of residential radon exposure, the investigators
report in the International Journal of Cancer.

Overall, the increase was generally not statistically significant,
although significance was reached for some high radon exposure
categories.

Dr. Francesco Forastiere, of the Rome E Health Authority, and
colleagues say their results may prompt radon legislation in the
Mediterranean area, "where such regulations are generally lacking."

They also report that individuals with low-medium consumption of
dietary oxidants tended to be at greater risk for developing lung
cancer.

The possibility that dietary antioxidants may modify the effects of
radon on lung cancer risk should be studied further, they conclude.

SOURCE: International Journal of Cancer, May 10, 2005.

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