Hidden Gene Significantly Elevates Lung-Cancer Risk for Never-Smokers in Appalachia
TL;DR
A rare inherited mutation called EGFR T790M is now linked to a dramatically higher lung-cancer risk, especially among people who never smoked and are from Southern Appalachia (notably Tennessee and Alabama). The gene makes lung cancer roughly 62-fold more likely in never-smokers and about 10-fold more likely in smokers, ranking among the strongest cancer-risk mutations identified. Researchers trace the mutation to ancestors from the British Isles who settled in Appalachia 200–225 years ago, highlighting a regional genetic factor in cancer risk and the potential need for targeted screening.
- This Rare Gene Drastically Raises Lung Cancer Risk in People Who Never Smoked The New York Times
- Scientists identify rare genetic mutation that dramatically raises risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers Live Science
- Why do ‘never smokers’ get lung cancer? In some cases, rare genetic variant may be a factor STAT
- A Genetic Mutation May Help Explain Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers Time Magazine
- Rare inherited EGFR mutation linked to dramatically increased lung cancer risk Medical Xpress
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