Why do some lifelong smokers never get lung cancer? New research offers clues

Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, as several studies have demonstrated over the years.

In South Africa, this cancer type is the number one cause of cancer deaths, and tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor, Health-e News reported in 2021. In the US alone, it is linked to up to 90% of lung cancer deaths.

But some lifelong smokers never get cancer, and for years, researchers have been trying to unravel this mystery. According to the latest research, it is linked to DNA repair.