Lee Swanson Research Update

Scientists Find Link between Zinc, Copper and Decreased Lung Cancer Risk

March 2007

Zinc and copper appear to decrease the risk of lung cancer, according to a study published recently in the International Journal of Cancer.

Zinc, copper and selenium are important cofactors for several enzymes that play a role in maintaining DNA integrity. However, scientists at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, found that research regarding the three minerals and their connection to decreased lung cancer risk is limited, leading researchers to initiate a new study.

Involved in the study were 1,676 incident lung cancer cases and 1,676 matched healthy controls. Researchers found that higher dietary zinc and copper intakes were associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, scientists found that subjects with the highest intake of zinc showed a 43% reduced risk of lung cancer, compared to subjects with the lowest zinc intake. Similarly, subjects with the highest intake of copper showed a 76% reduced risk of lung cancer, compared to subjects with the lowest intake. Both men and women experienced a similar reduction in risk. No association was found between dietary selenium intake and risk of lung cancer, although among men, "a significant inverse trend was observed."

Researchers stated, "Our results suggest that dietary zinc and copper intakes are associated with reduced risk of lung cancer." They added that further investigation is warranted.

International Journal of Cancer 120(5):1108-1115, 2007

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