Researchers examined the genetic data of Russians and identified that about 10 percent of the population show the strongest propensity to use tobacco. This finding comes from the medical genetics center Genotek and is highlighted in their study.
Experts point to polymorphic changes in the CHRNA5 gene as a key factor. These changes are linked to the rapid onset of nicotine addiction and an elevated risk of developing lung cancer. The consensus is that individuals carrying this genetic variant often struggle more to break the habit on their own.
The study also notes that the tendency to smoke is not determined solely by genetics. It is shaped by how a person grows up, the company they keep, and the overall lifestyle they lead. Geneticists suggest that advances in genetic testing could help gauge how well someone might quit smoking without professional intervention or drugs, and could identify scenarios where certain medications may support cessation from the outset.
However, the precise mechanism by which CHRNA5 mutations influence the formation of problematic habits remains undetermined. Further research is needed to decode how these genetic variations interact with behavioral factors to shape smoking patterns.
Former oncologist Ivan Karasev has stated that smoking, along with poor smoking practices, stands as one of the principal drivers of cancer development.
Attribution
[Genotek study] Qualitative synthesis of genetic factors and lifestyle interactions related to tobacco use and cancer risk. Findings summarized by Genotek researchers. Attribution: Genotek, 2024.