Evaluating the Impact of Smoking on Lung Cancer Development through Spirometric Assessment

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ABSTRACT Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with smoking identified as the primary risk factor. Spirometry, traditionally used to assess respiratory conditions, may also predict lung cancer development among smokers. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between smoking status, spirometric measures, and lung cancer incidence to ascertain if spirometric parameters can serve as predictors of lung cancer development. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 100 participants aged 40–75 were categorized into three groups: current smokers, former smokers, and never smokers. Each participant underwent spirometric testing to measure forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). The incidence of lung cancer was documented, and hazard ratios (HRs) for developing lung cancer were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models and adjusted for age, gender, and baseline lung function. Results: Lung cancer was diagnosed in 14% of current smokers, 6% of former smokers, and 2.08% of never smokers. Significant declines in spirometric measures were noted, particularly among current smokers, with annual FEV1 and FVC reductions exceeding those in nonsmokers. HRs revealed a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer for current smokers compared to never smokers (HR = 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6–16.3, P = 0.006), while the risk for former smokers, although elevated, did not reach statistical significance (HR = 2.8, 95% CI: 0.8–9.7, P = 0.10). Conclusion: The results indicate a strong association between smoking, spirometric impairment, and increased lung cancer risk. Incorporating spirometric testing into lung cancer screening protocols could help identify individuals at high risk earlier, especially among smokers. These findings underscore the potential of spirometry as a noninvasive screening tool in the early detection of lung cancer, warranting further longitudinal studies to validate these outcomes.