# LUNG CANCER IN NONSMOKING WOMEN

> **NIH NIH R01** · LSU HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER · 1991 · $486,456

## Abstract

This study is designed to test the hypothesis that involuntary
exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in
non-smoking women.  It is a population based case-control study
of women who have never used tobacco products and develop lung
cancer.  Cases are rapidly ascertained in five major metropolitan
areas:  Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans and San
Francisco-Oakland-San Jose Bay Area.  Interview data from cases
will be compared to two reference groups:  a group of non-smoking
women from the same geographic area who have colon cancer and a
non-smoking population control group selected by random digit
dialing and from H.C.F.A. files.  Interviews are conducted in the
homes of study subjects or their next-of-kin.  Detailed
information is obtained on involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke
during childhood and adult life.  Information is also sought on
other lung cancer risk factors (potential confounders) such as
occupation and industry of employment, diet, residential factors,
specific respiratory carcinogens, family history of cancer and
demographic characteristics.

Urine specimens and hair samples are collected from study
subjects for the analysis of their cotinine (a metabolite of
nicotine) content.  These analyses are performed to validate the
subject's reported status with respect to recent smoking habits.
Radon monitors are also placed in the home for 48 hours in order
to determine the residential level of radon gas.  To ensure
standardized histologic classification of lung cancer cased,
tissue specimens of lung cancer cases are requested from the
appropriate pathology department for loan.  These specimens from
patients in all five cities are then reviewed by one study
pathologist.

Logistic regression techniques will be used in the analysis to
examine risk of lung cancer by histologic type associated with
passive smoking while controlling for confounding variables.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3179608
- **Project number:** 5R01CA040095-06
- **Recipient organization:** LSU HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
- **SAM.gov UEI:** M7KCJ79FAVH5
- **Principal Investigator:** PELAYO none CORREA
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $486,456
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-09-01 → 1993-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3179608

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3179608, LUNG CANCER IN NONSMOKING WOMEN (5R01CA040095-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3179608. Licensed CC0.

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