People who ate the most sushi and fresh fish had half the risk of developing the rare tumor than people who ate the least fresh fish. Salted or dried fish did not seem to protect against the disease. Other scientific studies have indicated they could increase the risk of lung cancer. Scientists are not sure how fresh fish helps to lower lung cancer risk in smokers but suspect it is due to polyunsaturated fatty acids present in fish oil. Results of other studies looking into the relation between eating fresh fish and reduced lung cancer risk have been inconclusive.
Lung cancer is the deadliest of all cancers.
The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is about 10 percent and an estimated 80 percent of lung cancer patients die within a year of being diagnosed. Smoking is a leading cause of the disease. Researchers estimate that one billion people will die of lung cancer in the 21st century if current smoking trends continue. Copyright 2001 Reuters News Service. All rights reserved.