A Genetic Mutation May Help Explain Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers

TIMEIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 80Sep 17

A recent study published in Science suggests that an inherited genetic mutation in the EGFR gene significantly increases the risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Researchers led by Dr. Jaclyn LoPiccolo found that individuals with the T790M mutation have a 60-fold higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to nonsmokers without the mutation. This mutation, first identified in a European family in 2005, is rare but more common in Southern Appalachia. The study utilized data from the 23andMe Research Institute to assess the mutation's prevalence and impact. The findings highlight potential future applications of genetic testing in lung cancer screening, though current guidelines focus on high-risk smokers.

Bias read (Center): The article presents scientific research without overt ideological framing. It discusses medical findings and their implications for public health policy without taking a partisan stance. The emphasis is on factual reporting rather than advocacy for any particular political agenda.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the CDC statistic that 10%-20% of U.S. lung cancers occur in nonsmokers, citing the range of 20,000-40,000 cases annually. It references a new study linking the EGFR T790M mutation to increased lung cancer risk in nonsmokers, which aligns with the primary document's fo

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the findings neutrally, explaining the study's methodology and limitations. It avoids overt bias but uses phrases like 'this jump in risk reflects how strongly this genetic mutation might impact risk' which slightly emphasizes the significance of the finding. Overall, it maintai

STAT NewsIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 85Sep 17

Researchers have identified a rare genetic variant linked to a significantly increased risk of lung cancer in 'never-smokers', individuals who have never smoked tobacco. This variant was found to be associated with a 25-fold higher likelihood of developing lung cancer and is more prevalent in Southern Appalachia in the United States. While experts note that this genetic factor likely contributes to only a small proportion of lung cancer cases in non-smokers, the discovery underscores the importance of considering unique risk factors for lung cancer beyond smoking. The study utilized large-scale genetic data from 23andMe, highlighting the potential of big data in uncovering specific health risks.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a scientific study on a genetic variant related to lung cancer in non-smokers. It presents findings objectively, citing research published in a scientific journal and referencing the methodology used (genetic data from 23andMe). There is no apparent ideological framing or bias,

Why factuality (70): The article mentions the 10%-20% statistic for nonsmokers but focuses primarily on the newly identified genetic variant rather than the broader context provided in the CDC document. It omits key details from the primary source, such as the contribution of secondhand smoke and radon, and fails to men

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a highly objective tone throughout, presenting the research findings without apparent bias. It acknowledges the limited scope of the genetic variant's impact and frames the discovery within the broader context of understanding lung cancer risks. The piece avoids taking sides or