Both risk factors dramatically and independently increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Beta-carotene did not increase the risk of lung cancer for those who smoked fewer than 20 cigarettes a day and drank little or no alcohol. To my knowledge, no information was gathered concerning other lifestyle risk factors that would also contribute to a poor outcome. Cancers start developing 10 and 20 years before symptoms occur or our technology can detect them. It is important to rely on the synergism of all the antioxidants, including the carotenoids and B vitamins.
Lifestyle changes are also imperative to decrease one's risk of cancer and heart disease.
In a recent study of 50 patients with early-stage breast cancer, I evaluated the treatment side effects of radiation alone, or radiation combined with chemotherapy, while the patients took therapeutic doses of nutrients. The patients were asked to evaluate their own response to the treatment in terms of its impact on their quality of life. The results of the study were impressive. Not one subject in either group reported a worsening of symptoms. Twenty studies with more than 2,700 patients investigated lifestyle modifications that included dietary improvements, nutrient supplementation, and other changes.