Date Published: 04/10/2008 [Source]
Does a variant gene, common to half the people of European descent, cause lung cancer?
Dr. Stephen Chanock, of the National Cancer Institute, said many variables lead to such diseases, and it is unrealistic to say that one gene can be pinpointed as the main cause of lung cancer. Other factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing lung cancer are smoking, gender, exposure to secondhand smoke, exposure to radon gas, exposure to asbestos and other chemicals, family history and excessive alcohol use.