Former smokers are still at risk for lung cancer long after they have quit, but have a chance to try and stop the disease before it starts, through a clinical trial at the BC Cancer Agency.

"Many people who have quit smoking don’t realize that they are still at risk for lung cancer," explains Suzan Ross, a coordinator of the BC Cancer Agency’s Lung Health Study. "Cell damages occur during the first 20 years of smoking, and these can continue to occur even after quitting."

In fact, one half of newly diagnosed lung cancers occur in former smokers. While there are important and immediate health benefits to quitting – such as the automatic reduction in risk for cardiac disease – the risk of developing lung cancer only decreases marginally.

This current study is testing the effectiveness of an ancient herbal remedy for lung cancer prevention. The agent being studied, ACAPHA, is a combination of six herbs (Sophora tonkinensis, Polygonum bistorta, Prunella vulgaris, Sonchus brachyotus, Dictamnus dasycarpus and Dioscorea bulbifera) and has been used for disease prevention in China for centuries. The efficacy of botanical extracts in Western medicine is gaining increasing recognition.

There are several benefits to participating in this study, says Ross. Former smokers get an excellent work up and screening; by taking the medication, they have the chance to try and prevent lung cancer; and if cancer is present, the important advantage of early diagnosis and careful follow up if problems are discovered.

In earlier studies in China, ACAPHA has been shown to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer by 40 to 50 percent. A preliminary open study at BCCA also showed promising results in preventing the development and progression of pre-cancerous lesions in the lung.

The Lung Health Study is now recruiting volunteers for this study. Researchers will screen 3,500 volunteers, and from there, choose 100 eligible participants. Those who are accepted for the study will receive bloodwork, a CT scan, a bronchoscopy, and are closely monitored for one year. For information about participating in the study, please call 604-877-6190.

Researchers at the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) - in collaboration with Global Cancer Strategies, a Vancouver-based company – have received a $4 million grant from the U.S. National Cancer Institute. Global Cancer Strategies was founded by the late Dr. John Wah Jun Tze.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in men and women in Canada and the U.S. More people die each year from lung cancer than from breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined.

The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Research Centre conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer.

Nicole Adams
Public Relations Officer
BC Cancer Agency
(604) 877-6272
nadams@bccancer.bc.ca