Gene defect raises lung cancer risk

A study in the United States has found that an often undetected gene defect can double the risk of contracting lung cancer.

A deficiency of a protein called alpha 1-antitrypsin can make the body more receptive to carcinogenic substances, says Professor Helmut Teschler of Germany's Society for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP) in reference to the study's findings.

People with the gene defect are more susceptible to the harmful substances contained in tobacco products and are advised to quit smoking immediately.