Lung cancer prevention
Last Updated Aug 2007
Q: Dr. Sears,
I have been a loyal Zoner for about seven-plus years. My carb blocks are mainly low-glycemic vegetables with the exception of berries for breakfast. I take six of the OmegaRx capsules daily in addition to the multivitamins. I am a 5-foot 5-inch female weighing 108 pounds, and I power walk six miles a day, six days a week. I also take all-day hikes at altitudes above 8k feet in the High Sierra Mountains, approximately five trips per year, one week per trip. I never feel short of breath while hiking, and I haven't had the flu, a cold or a cough in more than eight years.
I am completely terrified of developing lung cancer. I am 59 years old and in excellent health. Chest X-rays reveal that my lungs are as healthy as if I had never smoked. However, I did smoke cigarettes for more than 20 years and quit cold turkey more than 16 years ago. I understand that my lungs are clean and healthy now; however, I know that I may have damaged the DNA during my long history of smoking (I smoked more than a pack a day).
I took part in the National Lung Screening Trial at UCLA in Westwood, Calif., for approximately four years. The trial has now ended, and all of my tests came out excellent for now. Is there anything that you can recommend over and above what I am doing to make up for my past "sins?" As I stated, I am completely terrified of contracting lung cancer and think about it almost daily. I believe that once detected, it is a death sentence with only about six months to live. Even though I am 59, I feel like I am in my 20s and only just beginning to live my life. Please help me.
Sincerely, Patricia
A: Dear Patricia,
All cancers grow and spread due to silent inflammation. I would recommend taking about 7.5 grams of EPA and DHA per day to calm your fears. There was a recent article of a 74-year-old man who developed lung cancer and then took 15 grams of EPA and DHA daily. Serial X-rays demonstrated continual reversal of the tumor. In your state of health, the lower dosage of EPA and DHA will be your ultimate insurance policy to continue to enjoy life knowing you have done everything possible to prevent the occurrence of lung cancer regardless of your past smoking habit.