Genetic links found for
smoker’s
susceptibility to addiction, lung cancer
Source: Associated Press, April 2, 2008
According to the findings of 3 separate research teams, scientists have pinpointed a potential genetic link to an individual’s risk of becoming hooked on tobacco. These findings provide the strongest evidence to-date of the role that genetics may play in an individual’s susceptibility to smoking and lung cancer
After surveying 35,000 people in Europe, Canada and the United States, scientists discovered a common set of genetic markers that increased a smokers’ dependence on tobacco and their risk of lung cancer. A smoker who inherits this genetic variation from both parents is 80 percent more likely of developing lung cancer, smokes two more cigarettes per day and has a much harder time quitting than smokers who don't have these genetic variations.
"This is really telling us that the vulnerability to smoking and how much you smoke is clearly biologically based,'' said psychiatry professor Dr. Laura Bierut, of Washington University in St. Louis, and a genetics and smoking expert who did not take part in the studies.
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and the number one preventable cause of death in the U.S.. Through their findings, researchers hope to gain a greater understanding tobacco addiction which can help lead to new treatments to help smokers quit and avoid future cases of lung cancer.
For more information, visit: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23919596/from/ET/