Genetics alone can create risk for lung cancer

A person may be at risk of developing lung cancer simply because of genetics i.e., his or her parents or siblings have had the disease. According to a new study, scientists have narrowed the search for a lung cancer gene to a small region of a chromosome. Researchers found strong evidence that a lung cancer susceptibility gene (or genes) is inherited with a region on chromosome 6. This finding paves the way for research and development of a genetic screening test for lung cancer and better medicines to treat or prevent the disease. The finding also suggests that for people carrying a lung cancer gene, even a mild smoking habit or exposure to second-hand smoke can threaten their lives.