Selenium protects against cancer

A Finnish study showed that the risk of lung cancer from smoking increased where there was a deficiency of the trace element selenium. See: Serum Selenium and Subsequent Risk of Cancer Among Finnish Men and Women

Other studies have shown that selenium has a protective influence against various cancers. In fact, in areas of the world where the soil is low in selenium, cancer rates in the population have been found to be higher. See:
Dietary selenium repletion may reduce cancer incidence in people at high risk who live in areas with low soil selenium.

Selenium prevents cancer by protecting the cells against oxidative damage. Provided they are grown on selenium-rich soil, good food sources are: brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, fish, eggs, nuts (particularly brazil nuts), liver, garlic. However, those in particular who smoke would do well to take a good selenium supplement.

Note: no single food or supplement should ever be thought of a cure but rather as part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. For more health information see the Food For Thought web site.