Rare genetic variant linked to lung cancer in non-smokers — STAT News
In the United States, researchers have identified a very rare genetic variant associated with a 25-fold increase in the odds of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. STAT News reports on the study, published in the journal Science.
Prevalence in the southern Appalachians
According to the researchers, in the United States this genetic variant occurs much more often among residents of the southern Appalachians than in other regions of the country.
For the study, scientists used genetic data from the company 23andMe. The authors noted that large datasets containing health information on millions of people can help identify narrow but important risk factors.
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Only a fraction of cases
Experts noted that this variant likely plays a role in only a small proportion of lung cancer cases among people who have never smoked. At the same time, the findings add evidence that such tumors may be associated with specific risk factors.
Researchers have long known that the share of non-smokers among people diagnosed with lung cancer is increasing. According to specialists interviewed by the outlet, the new data may require a different approach to screening programs and treatment strategies.
