Genetic connection for Lung Cancer? - 1267396

paul10
Posts:2

I am writing because I wonder if there is a genetic connection for lung cancer and should children of parents diagnosed with lung cancer be screened?

My father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and then lung cancer in his mid 80's. The lung cancer was not typed nor were there molecular tests done. It was fairly aggressive. He did not smoke to my knowledge. He did work in the oil industry his whole career, mostly in the office.

My mother was diagnosed with NSCLC, adenocarcinoma (KRAS positive) in her mid 80's. She was a light smoker for about 30 years and quit in her 50's.

As a 60 year old son of both parents who were diagnosed with lung cancer, I wonder if there is a genetic component to it and whether I should have some sort of regular screening program in order to diagnose it earlier when there is a better chance to treat it successfully. Both my parents were diagnosed in a late stage and I would want to do everything to avoid that. I have never smoked but have been exposed to second hand smoke in my earlier working life before indoor smoking was banned and from going to bars.

Is there a genetic component and a recommended screening program? I know that there is a risk of radiation exposure with each scan.

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JimC
Posts: 2753

Hi paul10,

Although most lung cancer is caused at least in part by tobacco exposure, there can at times be a genetic component, as discussed here.

As suggested in the post, you may want to seek a consultation with a genetic counselor. in the meantime, as the author states "If you have a relative with lung cancer, and you are not a smoker, the odds are very low that you will develop lung cancer."

JimC
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Dr West
Posts: 4735

I agree that it's reasonable to seek input from a genetic counselor, though it sounds like both of your parents had potentially relevant environmental exposures that would be expected to increase the risk of lung cancer.

At this time, lung cancer screening has only been shown to be beneficial for patients age 55-74 and with a significant smoking history of 30 "pack years" (the product of average number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day x number of years smoking) or more. Though it may be that people with a significant family history could also benefit from screening, that's not yet been demonstrated and wouldn't be routinely recommended.

Good luck.

-Dr. West