Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - Lifestyle Changes

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Click the icon to see the benefits of vitamin A.

Click the icon to see dietary sources of vitamin A.

Trace Elements Supplements. Trace elements may be important in cancer risk and prevention.

Selenium appears to inhibit cell proliferation and may have other anti-cancer properties. A few studies have reported some protection with selenium. However, a major 2002 analysis supports previous work, indicating that taking selenium helps only people who are deficient to begin with.

Click the icon to see the benefits of selenium.

Zinc may prove to be more important than selenium. Some research suggests that zinc may help protect smokers by blocking cadmium. Smokers have higher levels of cadmium in their body, and there may be a link between cadmium and a higher risk for lung cancer. Some laboratory studies have indicated that zinc might help protect against tumor progression. There is no evidence that taking zinc supplements will reduce the risk for lung cancer, however.

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Exercise

A 2003 study reported a lower risk in lung cancer in men and women who were physically active. Both moderate and intensive exercises were associated with protection.

Protecting the Home Against Radon

People concerned about radon in their home or area can purchase a test approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Methods for removing radon include installing a soil suction system. It should be noted, however, that home prevention measures rarely reduce radon levels to zero. Simply sleeping by an open window reduces the risk.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and COX-2 Inhibitors (Coxibs)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) both block cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. NSAIDs block COX-1 and 2, and coxibs selectively block COX-2. Evidence now strongly suggests that the COX-2 enzyme plays a role in blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) that can feed lung cancers.

NSAIDs. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox). These agents inhibit COX-2 but they also target another COX enzyme. Studies are now reporting an association between regular use of aspirin or other NSAIDs and a reduced risk for non-small cell lung cancer.

COX-2 Inhibitors. The COX-2 inhibitors are more recent forms of NSAIDs. Currently, only celecoxib (Celebrex) is still on the market. Rofecoxib (Vioxx) and valdecoxib (Bextra) have been withdrawn from the market due to their high risk of causing strokes and heart attacks. Because they target the COX-2 enzyme specifically, researchers are focusing on these drugs for a possible role in treating lung cancer and preventing recurrence.

Review Date: 06/30/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).