Never smoked a cigarette? You could still be at higher risk for lung cancer
There were some limitations to the study.
Because the mutation is so rare, researchers identified relatively few carriers even among the millions of participants, meaning the exact size of the increased risk remains uncertain.
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The analysis also relied heavily on 23andMe research participants, who may not represent the broader population.
Because the mutation is much more common in certain parts of the U.S., the risk estimates may not apply equally to everyone, the researchers noted.
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While the study establishes a strong association with lung cancer risk, it does not demonstrate that genetic testing improves mortality or other health outcomes.
The study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/never-smoked-cigarette-could-still-higher-risk-lung-cancer