Canadian scientists have conducted a study in proving that a genetic trait can be a reliable indicator for former smokers who are predisposed to lung cancer. The preliminary results in the research were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research, and though there are no real palpable results, many are optimistic and believe that this research can help preventing lung cancer more efficiently. It is estimated that 161,840 Americans will die this year from lung cancer and that a large percent of these people are smokers. Recent data shows that the rate of people who smoke has started to lower, but taking in consideration the current economic situation, people might just see tobacco as a reliable method of relaxing.

The study focuses on showing that if the DNA in the airways is damaged, the genes cannot stop cells from multiplying and turning into cancer cells. The scientists have declared that smoking definitely affects one DNA and if that damage to the DNA in the airways could be a reliable indicator for lung cancer, this would help in devising better ways of treatment and even prevention. Scientists working on the study announced that they plan to continue their research and that they will enroll 100 people in a follow-up trial.

Lung cancer is to blamed for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year and it seems that this type of cancer is starting to affect more and more people. Breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men are the only other forms of cancer that are more common that lung cancer.