Studies presented at CHEST 2011 reported a link between the risk of developing lung cancer and heavy alcohol consumption. It was also found that a higher BMI, and increased consumption of black tea and fruit decreased the risk of developing lung cancer.
Smoking remains the strongest risk factor of lung cancer but heavy alcohol consumption, especially of beer, (of greater than three drinks per day) is also one of the strongest predictors of lung cancer. Other factors which can elevate the risk for lung cancer include environmental exposures, occupation, diet and genetics. Specific ethnic groups, including African American men and Asian women are found to have slightly higher risks for lung cancer.
Surprisingly a higher BMI and having graduated from college were associated with a lower risk for lung cancer.
