Lung cancer differs between smokers, nonsmokers: study

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Lung cancer differs between smokers and nonsmokers in many ways, a new study from the Portuguese Institute of Oncology states. And while smoking remains to be the main risk factor for developing this type of cancer, researchers discovered that nonsmokers may also get non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer in the world.

According to a press release from European Lung Foundation, the incidence involving the development of NSCLC among nonsmokers has increased dramatically over the past years. The research, led by Dr. Catia Saraiva, was able zero in on the major differences between clinical attributes and survival rates between the two groups, paving way for improved diagnosis and more studies.

Dr. Saraiva, a medical expert from the Department of Pulmonology, shares that as there is limited information in the world about the risk and survival rates of smokers and nonsmokers diagnosed with NSCLC, she has decided to head a team to conduct the first ever study to compare the differences. She adds, "We believe that we have made a major contribution towards improving diagnosis and treatment for these patients."

Healthy Day News reports that the team tapped on over 1400 Portuguese adults suffering from NSCLC, of which 904 patients admitted to be smokers while 504 patients denied smoking. Most of the nonsmokers are women with adenocarcinoma, least likely to have suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), larynx cancer, heart problems or weight loss. Furthermore, the nonsmokers have twice the possibility of living longer after lung cancer diagnosis, outliving most smokers by more than half the number of months.

The researchers noted that among those in the nonsmoker group, 18 percent have high blood pressure, 9 percent have been exposed to carcinogens, 6 percent have suffered from a previous cancer, and 5 percent admitted to having family history. Incidentally, the nonsmokers were already in their advanced stage before getting diagnosed, mostly at stage four. During this stage, the cancer has metastasized in the other parts of the body.

Dr. Saravia believes further studies should be conducted to understand why the differences occur, Eureka Alert adds. Other possible prognostic factors that the studies can concentrate on are age, lifestyle and human predispositions. She also thinks that in order to confirm their analysis, a population-based research needs to be done before any public teaching or news should be disseminated, as studies that are presented in medical meetings are still preliminary.