A meta-analysis of asthma and risk of lung cancer (United States)
- PMID: 12846363
- DOI: 10.1023/a:1023982402137
A meta-analysis of asthma and risk of lung cancer (United States)
Abstract
Objective: To review epidemiologic evidence that asthma is a risk factor for lung cancer, with particular attention to the role of smoking on this association.
Methods: Through MEDLINE computer searches (January 1966 to April 2002) and a review of references, we identified studies with quantitative data on the relation of asthma to lung cancer. Summary estimates of relative risks (RR) were calculated using the fixed-effects model or the random-effects model as appropriate.
Results: The combined results from five case-control studies--that presented data limited to individuals who had never smoked--showed a 1.8-fold increase in lung cancer risk among asthmatics (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3-2.3). The results from six case-control and four cohort studies, which controlled for smoking history also were significant (RR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.3-2.2). Finally, to illustrate the potential confounding by tobacco, we combined data from seven cohort studies that did not control for smoking history and found an overall RR of 1.4 (95% CI = 1.2-1.6).
Conclusions: The increased risk of lung cancer among never smoking individuals with asthma supports a direct relation between asthma and lung cancer. There is biological evidence to support this association.
Comment in
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Re: asthma and the risk of lung cancer. findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE).Cancer Causes Control. 2006 Apr;17(3):349-50. doi: 10.1007/s10552-005-0420-5. Cancer Causes Control. 2006. PMID: 16489542
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