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Low-fat diets may reduce the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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A study conducted by the University of Florida and published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging found that a low-fat diet was associated with a lower risk of lung cancer.
Researchers in China analyzed data from more than 98,000 people in an American cancer study and found that those with the lowest amount of fat in their diets had a 24% lower risk of developing lung cancer. The effect was even more pronounced among smokers: those on a low-fat diet had a 29% lower risk.
Study participants were recruited between November 1993 and July 2001, and cancer incidence and mortality data were collected between 2009 and 2018. The average age of participants at follow-up was 65 years, and the majority were white (47.96% male).
The researchers used a dietary questionnaire to collect information on calorie intake, macronutrient intake, and amounts of foods from different food groups. They then compared this data with data on cancer incidence, stages, and types of cancer.
The results showed that participants with the highest amount of fat in their diet had a 35% higher risk of lung cancer, especially for small cell lung cancer. At the same time, those who ate a low-fat diet had lower levels of sodium and cholesterol.
The Effect of Diet on Lung Cancer Risk
The study's authors stressed that their findings are consistent with other studies showing that low-fat diets can reduce the risk of some cancers. They noted that saturated fats were particularly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, while polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats had no such effect.
Denver-based nutritionist Katherine Rall, who was not involved in the study, suggested that saturated fatty acids trigger an inflammatory response in the body that could contribute to cancer.
Expert comments
Dr. Nilesh Vora, a medical oncologist and director of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute in Long Beach, California, who was not involved in the study, said the results were interesting and added that further research is needed to confirm the findings in a randomized controlled trial setting.
Massachusetts-based nutritionist Rachel Caves also agreed with the study's findings, noting that foods low in saturated fat are generally healthy and may help prevent cancer.
A study has found that a low-fat diet may reduce the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers. These results highlight the importance of dietary advice in cancer prevention and the need for further research to confirm these findings.