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Alphas May Have Increased Risk of Lung Cancer
Carriers of a common genetic disorder previously linked to lung disease may have a 70-percent to 100-percent increased risk of lung cancer, according to a report in the May 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
The disorder, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), is one of the most common genetic conditions affecting the U.S. population and especially those of European descent, according to background information in the article. Individuals with two copies of the associated genetic mutation often develop emphysema at an early age. However, AATD carriers—those with only one copy of the mutated gene—do not normally have severe diseases related to AATD and may not be aware of their status. However, they may be more vulnerable to cancer-causing tobacco smoke than non-carriers.
