Red wine may lower lung cancer risk

October 07, 2008

PHILADELPHIA - Moderate consumption of red wine may decrease the risk of lung cancer in men, according to a report in the October issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention¸ a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

"An antioxidant component in red wine may be protective of lung cancer, particularly among smokers," said Chun Chao, Ph.D., a research scientist at Kaiser Permanente Department of Research and Evaluation in Pasadena, California.

Chao analyzed data collected through the California Men's Health Study, which linked clinical data from California's health system with self-reported data from 84,170 men aged 45 to 69 years. Researchers obtained demographics and lifestyle data from surveys computed between 2000 and 2003, and identified 210 cases of lung cancer.

Researchers measured the effect of beer, red wine, white wine and liquor consumption on the risk of lung cancer. Adjustments were made for age, race/ethnicity, education, income, body mass index, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema, and smoking history.

Among the study participants, there was on average a two percent lower lung cancer risk associated with each glass of red wine consumed per month. The most substantial risk reduction was among smokers who drank one to two glasses of red wine per day. The researchers reported a 60 percent reduced lung cancer risk in these men. Researchers warned men to stop smoking as the best way to reduce lung cancer risk; noting that even men who drank one to two glasses of red wine per day still face higher lung cancer risk than do non-smokers.

No clear associations with lung cancer were noted for consumption of white wine, beer, or liquor. "Red wine is known to contain high levels of antioxidants. There is a compound called resveratrol that is very rich in red wine because it is derived from the grape skin. This compound has shown significant health benefits in preclinical studies," Chao said.

Chao said their findings should not be construed to recommend heavy alcohol consumption.

American Association for Cancer Research

Johns Hopkins Patients' Guide to Lung Cancer
by Justin F. Klamerus (Author), Julie R. Brahmer (Author), David S Ettinger (Author)

Johns Hopkins Patients' Guide to Lung Cancer is a concise, easy-to-follow how to guide that puts you on the path to wellness by explaining lung cancer treatment from start to finish. It guides you through the overwhelming maze of treatment decisions, simplifies the complicated schedule that lies ahead, and performs the task of putting together your plan of care in layman's terms. Empower yourself with accurate, understandable information that will give you the ability to confidently participate in the decision making about your care and treatment.

Lung Cancer: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment
by Walter J. Scott MD (Author)

What is my prognosis? What are my treatment options? Which therapies would be the most effective for my stage of lung cancer? These and other frequently asked questions are addressed in this crucial reference designed to help patients educate themselves and obtain the best possible treatments. The completely revised second edition has been updated to include a discussion of the movement towards customized chemotherapy; treatment options for early-stage lung cancer including minimally invasive surgery; and the most promising treatments, among them multimodality therapy—a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Dr. Scott also surveys tests for early detection of lung cancer, talks about the importance of cancer staging, examines alternative treatments, and offers advice on...

Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices--and Hope
by Claudia I. Henschke (Author), Peggy McCarthy (Author), Sarah Wernick (Contributor)

An authoritative book with new lifesaving strategies for those at risk and those already diagnosed.Lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer, more men than prostate cancer. This authoritative book presents new lifesaving strategies for those already diagnosed and those at risk (including ex-smokers).

Lung cancer is deadly because it's usually found late. Dr. Claudia Henschke's groundbreaking research on early diagnosis, published in Lancet, made headlines worldwide. Now, for the first time, she offers specific recommendations based on her latest findings: who needs to be checked and how to get tested.

People with lung cancer often are told, "Nothing can be done." Not so! Dr. Henschke and coauthor Peggy McCarthy, a leading patient advocate, provide...

Be A Survivor: Lung Cancer Treatment Guide
by Vladimir Lange MD (Author)

This much needed lung cancer resource is developed in consultation with a large national team of experts featuring: * Candid testimonials by survivors * Straightforward, easy-to-understand language * Objective and up-to-date information * Beautiful color photos and graphics * An empowering message of HOPE. The book addresses each step in the diagnosis, staging, treatment and recovery process, and includes a chapter on end-of-life issues, and a section specifically for the patient's partner or caregiver.

Principles and Practice of Lung Cancer: The Official Reference Text of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) (Pass, Lung Cancer)
by Harvey I. Pass (Editor), David P. Carbone (Editor), David H. Johnson (Editor), John D. Minna (Editor), Giorgio V. Scagliotti (Editor), Andrew T. Turrisi (Editor)

Thoroughly revised and updated, this Fourth Edition is the most comprehensive, current reference on lung cancer, with contributions from the world's foremost surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pulmonologists, and basic scientists. Coverage includes complete information on combined modality treatments for small cell and non-small cell lung cancer and on complications of treatment and management of metastases. Emphasis is also given to early detection, screening, prevention, and new imaging techniques. This edition has expanded thoracic oncology chapters including thymus, mesothelioma, and mediastinal tumors, more detailed discussion of targeted agents, and state-of-the-art information on newer techniques in radiotherapy. Other highlights include more international...

100 Questions & Answers About Lung Cancer, Second Edition
by Karen Parles (Author), Joan H. Schiller (Author), Amy Cipau (Author)

Empower yourself! No one with lung cancer needs to be alone in their fight against this disease. 100 Questions & Answers About Lung Cancer, Second Edition enables patients and their families to seek our the best treatment possible for early detection of lung cancer. Providing both the doctor s and patient s point of view, this book is a complete guide to understanding treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Through 100 Questions & Answers About Lung Cancer, Second Edition, expert authors use their experiences with patients to provide support and hope to the tens of thousands of people coping with this disease.

How to Survive Lung Cancer - A Practical 12-Step Plan
by Michael Lloyd (Author)

Written by a lung cancer survivor who understands what it takes to beat the odds, this book offers unparalleled hope and direction for anyone facing this illness. It is filled with specific exercises and techniques to promote healing and reverse side effects by taking a pro-active approach in helping to restore your mind, body and spirit to an optimum state of health. Endorsed by a Lung Cancer Specialist and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, this book combines what the doctors tell you with critical information they don't tell you. Visit www.SurviveLungCancer.com for chapter summaries.

Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatments, Stages Of Lung Cancer - Revised Edition - Illustrated by S. Smith
by Department of Health and Human Services (Author), National Institutes of Health (Author), National Cancer Institute (Author), S. Smith (Editor), S. Smith (Editor)

Lung Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Management (Current Multidisciplinary Oncology)
by Kemp Kernstine MD PhD (Editor), Karen Reckamp MD MS (Editor), Charles Thomas Jr. MD (Editor)

Over the course of the last decade, the treatment of lung cancer has evolved quite rapidly. New scientific and clinical advances have modified the standard of care and led to improved patient outcomes. At the same time, the treatment of lung cancer has become increasingly complex, requiring the comprehensive review and assessment of multiple issues, genetics, radiology, surgery, reconstruction, chemotherapy, and more. As a result the harmony and open communication between these specialties facilitated by a multidisciplinary team approach are crucial in providing the best care to patients and ensuring successful treatment. Lung Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Management, written by a multidisciplinary team of authors representing a range of disciplines, is a valuable...

Voices of Lung Cancer: The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort and Strength (Voices Of series)
by The Healing Project (Editor), S. Epatha Merkerson (Editor)

Provided by the patients, their friends, families, and caregivers of those diagnaosed with lung cancer, these very personal stories offer inspired insight into the ways families and professionals care for both themselves and the patient, gain a deeper understanding of the relationships, and learn to come to terms with the end of life. Included are essays by medical experts about the science of lung cancer, current treatments, choosing the right doctors, and what the future holds for the next generation of patients.