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USC Study Links Healthy Diets to Higher Lung Cancer Risk in Young Nonsmokers
Researchers found a 65 average Healthy Eating Index score in young nonsmoking patients, but say the result may reflect pesticide exposure rather than diet.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers presented findings at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting linking healthier diets rich in produce to higher rates of young-onset lung cancer in non-smokers.
Lead investigator Dr. Jorge Nieva theorized that pesticide residues on commercially produced crops, rather than healthy foods themselves, may drive the association; agricultural workers exposed to pesticides often face higher lung cancer risks.
Researchers analyzed dietary data from 187 patients diagnosed before age 50, finding participants averaged 65 on the Healthy Eating Index compared to the national average of 57.
Epidemiologist Katrine Wallace stated the interpretation "overstates" the findings, while experts noted the retrospective study design created potential patient recall bias in dietary reporting.
Nieva emphasized measuring pesticide levels in patient blood or urine samples to confirm the link, noting such testing could reveal whether specific chemical substances correlate with increased risk.