Antioxidants may boost cancer risk in smokers, high-risk patients: study

WASHINGTON: Vitamin E and other antioxidants may increase the risk of developing lung cancer in high-risk populations such as smokers, according to a new study released on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) by the U.S. journal Science Translational Medicine.

Antioxidants are chemical compounds that prevent oxidation of other molecules, thus delaying some types of cell damage that could cause cancer. They include vitamins A, C and E, as well as some medications.