Health News and Information

Investigators have shown that patients at high risk for developing lung cancer (heavy smokers, for instance) had their risk greatly reduced if their serum levels of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium were very high. Bronchial metaplasia, an abnormality of cells in the bronchial tubes, is considered to be an indicator of lung cancer risk in smokers. Retinoids, folate, and vitamin B12 have reversed metaplasia in smokers. Other precancerous lung conditions are also being treated with beta-carotene, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. Zinc is being used in conjunction with other antioxidants to treat precancerous conditions of the esophagus. Many of these studies are being done in cooperation with the United States National Cancer Institute and other foreign universities, including ones in China, Finland, and Africa. Other studies show similar findings, that is, a correlation between high levels of beta-carotene and other antioxidants and a low risk of getting cancers at eight different sites.*38\360\2*