Some Smokers at Greater Risk of Lung Cancer Based on Genetics

Three separate studies, conducted in three different countries around the world, recently published research results in Nature and Nature Genetics, confirming that there is a link between heredity and lung cancer.

Multiple research teams simultaneously conducted studies to determine if inherited genes in white smokers and nonsmokers of European decent play a part in the cause of lung cancer. The studies involved DNA from several thousand smokers and nonsmokers in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Through the research analyzing lung cancer genetics, two of the teams realized an increase in the chances of developing lung cancer for those white smokers carrying one or both of the two inherited gene variations that were identified. One of the studies found that white smokers, who carry the identified gene variations, may be more likely to become addicted to nicotine.

Researchers from the University of Texas: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Decode Genetics, and the International Agency of Research on Cancer were all involved in the clinical studies to determine if there was a link between inherited genes and lung cancer. Scientists gathered DNA from 35,000 white smokers and non smokers, some who were infected with lung cancer and others who were not. The studies found that smokers with only one of the inherited genes had increased chances of developing lung cancer by 28% and those that inherit both genes had an increased chance of 80%. The study showed that nonsmokers inheriting the genes had no increase in the chance of developing lung cancer.

Over 160,000 Americans die annually from lung cancer. Only 15% of smokers ever develop lung cancer, which led scientists to believe there was a link to heredity. Smoking is the top cause of heart disease, emphysema, and is the number one killer in some areas of the world. Those that have never smoked only have a 1% chance of developing the disease.

It was found that Caucasians of European descent had the genetic variations in 50% of the population. It is believed that this figure would be much less common in African Americans and the Hispanic population. However, the studies are only now being conducted in regards to these populations.

These findings are very positive for scientists in search for treatment options. Scientists can now begin targeting these genes in the treatment of lung cancer and their search for solutions in regards to nicotine addiction. Hopefully, with the researchers' new findings smokers will have better options to help deal with their nicotine addictions.