Comparison of dietary histories in lung cancer cases and controls with special reference to vitamin A

Abstract

Estimates of current dietary vitamin A intake have been obtained from 100 lung cancer cases and 173 controls. Seventy‐eight male cases took significantly (p < 0.05) less vitamin A than did 110 controls, due mainly to lower consumption of liver and of pills containing vitamin A. Twenty‐two female cases took more, but not significantly more, vitamin A than did 63 control females, a higher consumption of liver more than outweighing a lower frequency of pill taking. These differences were unrelated to the type of lung cancer diagnosed or to the diagnosis category of the controls and were not materially affected by adjustment for age, smoking or any other factor studied. No material differences between cases and controls were found in consumption of vitamin A from other sources or of pills not containing vitamin A. Trends observed based on estimates of vitamin A intake 20 years ago were similar to, but less marked than, those based on current intake. The role of vitamin A in lung cancer etiology requires further investigation.