My name is Robert Resta, and I’m a certified genetic counselor working at the Hereditary Cancer Clinic at Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle. Dr. West asked me if I might provide a few general comments about the genetic contribution of lung cancer.

In truth, this is a complicated question. There is little doubt that more than 90% of lung cancer can be directly attributed to tobacco use. The tendency to smoke cigarettes runs in families, and relatives of smokers often have greater exposure to second-hand smoke, making it very difficult to tease out genetic factors from environmental influences. Research studies on genetic and familial factors have produced conflicting results and conclusions.

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