Medical Health Encyclopedia

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

Selenium appears to inhibit cell proliferation and may have other anti-carcinogenic properties. Although some studies have reported some protection, a major 2002 analysis supports previous work indicating that taking selenium only helps 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, which has been linked to 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.

Exercise

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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 and include celecoxib (Celebrex), rofecoxib (Vioxx), valdecoxib (Bextra). 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.