An excessive smoking habit is probably the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of lung cancer risk factors. But scientists now suggest that one seemingly unrelated lifestyle choice may play a part, too.
New research led by the University of Florida examined how glucose, or simple sugar levels, might impact lung tumour development. While obesity, a condition frequently linked with sugar consumption, is a driver of various other cancers, lung tumours are not ‘traditionally’ associated with eating habits.
Yet, fresh analyses across lab and computer-based models revealed that glycogen—a form of simple sugar—acts as an ‘oncogenic metabolite’ for lung cancer. In other words, it works like a ‘giant lollipop for cancer’s sweet tooth’, with more glycogen ‘feeding’ bigger and more extreme tumour growth.
“Lung cancer has not traditionally been thought of as a dietary-related disease,” said Associate Professor Dr Ramon Sun, who worked on the project. “Diseases like pancreatic cancer or liver cancer, yes.
“However, when it comes to lung cancer, the idea that diet could play a role is rarely discussed.” As Dr Sun implied, this study is one of the first instances of linking lung cancer to dietary choices.
The US-based team warned that ‘Western diets’ are especially bad for heightening the risk, increasing glycogen levels and providing the ‘building blocks’ for lung tumour growth.
A ‘Western Diet’ is typically characterised by high-sugar, low-fibre processed foods and high red meat intake. Not only are these components related to a potentially worsened risk of other cancers, but obesity, diabetes and heart disease too.
Right now, heart and circulatory diseases account for a quarter of all deaths in the UK, equating to over 170,000 deaths per year, figures from the British Heart Foundation warn. That’s equivalent to one death every three minutes.
Amidst this, Dr Sun said: “In the long term, our approach to cancer prevention should mirror the success of the anti-smoking campaign — placing greater emphasis on public awareness and policy-driven strategies that promote healthier dietary choices as a fundamental component of disease prevention.”
Meanwhile, study collaborator Matthew Gentry added: “Prioritising a nutrient-rich diet, maintaining an active lifestyle and minimising alcohol intake are foundational strategies for long-term health.
“Fostering better dietary habits can be a powerful tool in lung cancer prevention.” Glycogen, the stored form of glucose, isn’t directly found in food, but your body produces it from the carbohydrates you eat. Foods rich in carbohydrates, like grains, fruits, and vegetables, provide the glucose that your body uses to create glycogen.