Although the CTS was founded to study breast cancer, having such a large and active study population means that our research team can also examine risk factors for other diseases.
A number of study participants have asked specifically about lung cancer in the California Teachers Study. Keep reading to find answers to those questions!
What are the common risk factors for lung cancer?
The most common risk factor for developing lung cancer is smoking. However, exposure to radon and asbestos have also been linked to lung cancer. The American Cancer Society provides a wealth of information about risk factors for lung cancer if you are interested in learning more.
How common is lung Cancer in the California Teachers Study?
Just over 1% of California Teachers Study participants have been diagnosed with lung cancer.
How many of the study participants who have gotten lung cancer smoke?
Of the study participants who have gotten lung cancer, the majority are either current smokers (28%) or former smokers (40%). However, 32% of study participants who have had lung cancer have never smoked.
Do study participants who get lung cancer have a family history of the disease?
The vast majority of participants with lung cancer do not have family members who have had the disease, meaning that they have no family history of the disease. However, 13% of participants in the CTS have a first-degree relative who has had the disease, meaning a mother, father, brother, sister, daughter, or son.
If you're interested in learning more about lung cancer among study participants who have never smoked, please click here to read more about Dr. Erhunmwunsee's ongoing research.