Dietary Pattern May Help Reduce Lung Cancer Risk in Smokers

Strategic Insights -

A new study published in the June 30, 2025, edition of Chest has found that a specific dietary pattern may help reduce lung cancer risk in individuals who have previously smoked. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of New Mexico, used a 12-gene methylation panel to predict lung aging and risk for lung cancer, and found that a dietary pattern characterized by low consumption of processed meat and high consumption of dark green vegetables, tea, alcohol, and fruit juice was associated with better lung health outcomes in smokers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used a 12-gene methylation panel to predict lung aging and risk for lung cancer, and found that a dietary pattern characterized by low consumption of processed meat and high consumption of dark green vegetables, tea, alcohol, and fruit juice was associated with better lung health outcomes in smokers.
  • The dietary pattern, known as the Dietary Pattern for Healthy Lung (DiPHeaL), was found to be associated with improved FEV1 (by 96.1 mL/s), FEV1/FVC ratio (by 1.83%), and respiratory quality of life (by 4.9 for activity score) in smokers.
  • The DiPHeaL score was also found to be associated with decreased cardiopulmonary mortality (by 47%) in smokers.
  • The study found that participants who previously smoked, especially those with airway obstruction, may benefit the most from nutritional modification.
  • The research was funded by the NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), American Cancer Society, NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), and NIH National Heart Lung & Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Statistics:

  • The study found that a higher DiPHeaL score was associated with improved FEV1 by 96.1 mL/s.
  • The DiPHeaL score was also associated with improved FEV1/FVC ratio by 1.83%.
  • The DiPHeaL score was associated with improved respiratory quality of life by 4.9 for activity score.
  • The DiPHeaL score was associated with decreased cardiopulmonary mortality by 47% in smokers.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Study Findings from University of New Mexico Provide New Insights into Lung Cancer (Dietary Pattern, Sputum Dna Methylation, and Lung Health an Epidemiological Study In People Who Ever Smoked). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. June 30, 2025; p 5128.
  • Leng S, Feng Y, Kang H, et al. Dietary Pattern, Sputum Dna Methylation, and Lung Health an Epidemiological Study In People Who Ever Smoked. Chest. 2025;167(5):1333-1345.