Despite this clear connection, most smokers do not develop lung cancer. Recent studies suggest that some smokers possess protective mechanisms limiting DNA mutations, offering new insights into cancer prevention and early detection.
Understanding Risk Factors and Molecular Mechanisms
Epidemiological studies have long associated lung cancer risk with factors like total smoking dose, duration, and timing of cessation. Yet, 80-90% of lifelong smokers never develop lung cancer, with most smoking-related deaths occurring in older populations. To unravel this paradox, researchers have shifted their focus to molecular and genetic factors, seeking to identify specific mechanisms that protect some individuals from carcinogenesis.
Smoking causes cancer, (of course) but some smokers do not get cancer. It is good to find out why. These researchers used a new technique to see how exactly the genetic information is different in the young and old, light, moderate, heavy and never-smokers. This information could be used to develop new therapies for people who do not have the predeliction to adapt cancer immunity.
Because it kills 1 in 5 smokers, that’s not killing 4in 5.
They found that there is a maximum amount of mutations (aka cancer risk) smokers tend to have in their lungs. Why? The researchers hypothesise some sort of magic radiation immunity. I think a more likely explanation might just be: those with more tend to be dead from or fighting cancer. And thus aren’t participants in the study. This is called survivor bias.
Don’t smoke, it fucks you up. The painful slow death won’t be the worst of it.
I’m sorry for what you had to go through. It’s okay to be upset.
