The Effect of Vitamin E and Beta Carotene on the Incidence of Lung Cancer and Other Cancers in Male Smokers

Previous studies have suggested that higher intakes of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and beta carotene may be associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer. In particular, epidemiologic studies have linked the intake of vegetables rich in beta carotene with a lower risk of cancer (especially lung cancer) and have suggested that certain micronutrients are inhibitors of cancer 1 , 2 . The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled primary-prevention trial undertaken to determine whether supplementation with alpha-tocopherol, beta carotene, or both would reduce the incidence of lung cancer in male smokers. A secondary outcome of interest was . . .