Is Lung Cancer Genetic?

While smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer, genetics play an important role in the development of this deadly disorder. It's possible for heavy smokers to stay cancer free throughout their lives, whereas non-smokers can still develop lung cancer due to their genetic makeup.

Misconceptions

• The idea that lung cancer only occurs in people who smoke heavily for many years is a common misconception. However, people who are genetically predisposed to lung cancer can develop the disease even if they are moderate smokers or have never smoked cigarettes before.

Prevention/Solution

• If you know that you're genetically predisposed to lung cancer, the most effective measure of prevention is not smoking cigarettes. However, other measures to stay healthy can decrease your risk as well. These include eating a balanced diet to keep cells healthy, as well as exercising often, and avoiding air pollution and secondhand smoke.

Significance

• According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, killing more than one million people annually. Smoking accounts for between 80 and 90 percent of cases of lung cancer, which has led researchers at the ACS to speculate that up to 20 percent of lung cancer cases are caused due to genetics.

Expert Insight

• Until recently, it was widely believed among cancer researchers that rising levels of air pollution have been to blame for cancer in nonsmokers. However, a 2008 study funded by the American Cancer Society concluded that rates of lung cancer in nonsmokers has remained relatively stable for the past 80 years. This has led researchers to conclude that lung cancer in nonsmokers is due to genetics more than environmental factors.

Warning

• A DNA test can tell you more about your risk for developing lung cancer, and you can learn more about your genetic risks by studying your family history.