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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)327-334
Number of pages8
JournalCancer Causes and Control
Volume14
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2003

Keywords

  • Asthma
  • Epidemiology
  • Lung neoplasm
  • Meta-analysis
  • Smoking

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