Study: Lung Cancer Presents Differently Based on Smoking Status

Posted by Rheta Mankin on January 26th, 2016

A breakthrough new study is casting light on the development of non-small-cell lung cancer that may one day help improve diagnosis and treatment for patients. Focusing on the differences presented between smokers and nonsmokers, researchers have discovered a number of significant disparities between the two types of lung cancer patients that could potentially pave the way for better treatments down the road.

The study in question was conducted in Portugal. There researchers looked at 1,411 patients who had all been diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer. Researchers found that smokers and nonsmokers each presented a little differently. The study, for example, showed that nonsmokers were more likely to be female and to also have adenocarcinoma. The nonsmokers were also less likely to have correlating illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, previous cancer of the larynx and ischemic heart disease.

Other findings were related to outcomes and longevity after diagnosis. Nonsmokers lived an average of 51 months after diagnosis whereas their smoking counterparts lived about 25 months. With fewer clues to go on, nonsmokers were typically diagnosed at a later stage of the disease than their smoking counterparts. About 59 percent of the nonsmokers had their cancer diagnosed at stage IV.

While further study into the differences between smokers and nonsmokers needs to be performed, researchers did find some interesting connections. The nonsmokers had certain markers that included work exposure to carcinogens, family history of lung cancer and previous cancer diagnosis. Many also presented with high blood pressure. These findings may help improve diagnosis by giving clinicians stronger clues related to lung cancer risks for nonsmokers.

People who are concerned about lung cancer are urged to speak with their healthcare providers. This disease, although most commonly diagnosed in smokers, may also strike nonsmokers. Early detection and treatment is critical to survival in this often fatal form of cancer.

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Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group, a division of Choice Cancer Care – is an independently owned and operated oncology practice that is completely focused on unique, comprehensive patient care.