Lung Cancer

One More Reason to Quit
Women have a greater risk of developing smoking-related lung cancer, and the reason may be in their genes. A gene for the protein that encourages lung cancer is more active in women than men, say researchers, and nicotine increases the activity even further.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh studied lung tissue samples from men, women, and lung cancer patients and found higher levels of gene activity in women across the board—even for non-smokers. This means that women are likely to develop lung cancer after much less smoking and at a younger age.

Shriver SP, Bordeau HA, Gubish CJ et al. Sex-specific expression of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor: relationship to smoking history and risk of lung cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2000;92:24-33.

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