Linking Theory and Research on Vitamin E and Lung Cancer Risk (PDF)

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2016 in the subject Medicine - Neoplasms, Oncology, , language: English, abstract: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the current state of knowledge on the relationship between intakes of dietary and supplemental vitamin E and lung cancer risk, as well as to discuss future research designs that may resolve the existing controversy in the literature.

The paper aims specifically to briefly trace the historical development of the theory connecting the two variables; describe the potential mechanisms through which the association of interest may occur; identify the variables that may confound the association between the two constructs; recognize the knowledge gap; and propose a theoretical model to guide specific research hypotheses and interventions on public health nutrition and lung cancer risk reduction. The paper concludes that the Integrated Behavior Model seems to be useful in assessing the determinants of dietary modification and in developing interventions aiming at investigating nutrition-related lung cancer prevention attitudes and beliefs.

Lung cancer is a worldwide public health problem that continues to be the leading cause of death in both males and females. While quitting cigarette smoking is of key importance to reduce its incidence and mortality, there is a need to explore other factors, such as diet and supplements as they may play a role in the development of the disease.