Diet May Play a Bigger Role in Lung Cancer Risk Than Previously Thought
While lung cancer is commonly associated with smoking and air pollution, a new study has revealed a surprising potential contributor: diet. Researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Kentucky have discovered that a molecule known as glycogen—typically linked to Diet and Lung Cancer Growth .
Glycogen, which stores glucose derived from the carbohydrates we eat, was found in elevated levels in lung adenocarcinoma tissue samples. This specific type of lung cancer accounts for about 40% of cases globally. Using a cutting-edge technique called spatial metabolomics, researchers identified that tumors with more glycogen grew faster in mice, whereas removing glycogen significantly slowed tumor development.
“This platform offered a new lens through which to visualize diseases,” said Dr. Ramon Sun, a molecular biologist from the University of Florida. “It enables researchers to discover molecular patterns and interactions with unprecedented detail.”
Western-Style Diet Accelerates Tumor Growth in Lab Tests
The research team tested the impact of Diet and Lung Cancer Growth by feeding mice different types of food: high-fat, high-carbohydrate, combined high-fat and high-carb, and a regular control diet. The mice that consumed a combined high-fat and high-carb diet exhibited the most aggressive tumor growth and higher glycogen accumulation in lung tissues.
Glycogen, normally stored in the muscles and liver as an energy reserve, appears to act like “fuel” for cancer cells. The cancer uses it to grow and spread rapidly—potentially outpacing the immune system’s ability to respond. This link between diet and cancer cell metabolism supports prior studies suggesting that cancer cells thrive on readily available glucose.
Though these findings come from animal models, the implications are significant. The team stresses that more research is needed to confirm whether the same effect occurs in humans, but the early indicators point to a concerning connection between certain diets and lung cancer risk.
A Call for Diet and Lung Cancer Growth
Importantly, the study found that elevated glycogen levels were only present in lung adenocarcinoma, not in other lung cancer types like squamous cell carcinoma. This specificity highlights the need for further investigation into how diet might influence different cancers in varying ways.
Dr. Sun emphasized the public health potential of the findings: “Our long-term approach to cancer prevention should reflect the successes of anti-smoking campaigns, with a stronger focus on public awareness and policy initiatives encouraging healthier diets.”
Lung cancer hasn’t traditionally been viewed as diet-related, unlike liver or pancreatic cancer. But this research could change that perspective, suggesting that Western-style diets—often rich in fats and refined carbohydrates—might need to be added to the list of risk factors for the disease.
Ultimately, this study reinforces the broader message that diet matters. As the science around nutrition and chronic disease continues to evolve, awareness of these links may play a key role in reducing cancer risk and improving long-term health outcomes.
