This is a study to determine why certain cancers are on the rise among women and non-smokers

This study, led by Christine Ambrosone, PhD is conducted through the Southwest Oncology Group, one of the largest cancer clinical trials cooperative groups in the nation. The goal of the study is to find out why women seem to get a different type of lung cancer and at an earlier age than men – especially if they have never smoked.

Although we know that smoking causes lung cancer, only one in 10 people who smoke get the disease. There are also people with lung cancer who have never smoked cigarettes in their life.

The study, known as S0424, has three goals:

• To determine why women are more likely to be diagnosed with certain types of lung cancer than men 
• To find out what other factors besides smoking put women at a higher risk of getting lung cancer at an earlier age and often with limited exposure to smoking
• To better understand what factors cause lung cancer in men and women who do not smoke

The study will enroll 720 women and men across the United States who have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.

As of August, 2007, the study has enrolled enough men and women smokers with lung cancer, but investigators are still seeking non-smokers with lung cancer, identified at one of the participating center, to volunteer for the study. Study participants will complete a questionnaire regarding their health history, family history of cancer and smoking habits, and exposure to hormones and other agents. They also will be asked to provide a small blood sample and to give researchers access to their lung cancer biopsy.

Cancer patients who have been diagnosed with Stage I, II or III non-small cell lung cancer and who have not yet started their treatment can find the nearest institution conducting the study by contacting the Southwest Oncology Group at 210-677-8808 or protocols@swog.org

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