Hereditary factors can play a role in the development of lung cancer, research suggests. The Institute of Cancer Research report found 64 gene mutations, which could contribute to lung cancer in a study of more than 4,000 people.
But the researchers said they only contributed to the disease - the most common form of cancer - in a minor way. Smoking is the biggest risk factor, linked to nine in 10 lung cancers, the Genome Research journal study added.
Lead researcher Professor Richard Houlston said: "The exact nature of lung cancer susceptibility is extremely complex, it is important to remember that tobacco smoke is far and away the biggest risk factor for lung cancer.
"While our research indicates that certain individuals could be at a higher risk of developing the disease it has been proven that the majority of cases of lung cancer are caused by tobacco smoke."
The study, which also received funding from Cancer Research UK, looked at 2,707 healthy individuals and 1,529 lung cancer patients, BBC reported.
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