For the first time researchers have found a common genetic variant that influences the risk of lung cancer and possibly nicotine addiction.

Three new studies published in the journal Nature have identified two inherited gene variations that increase white smokers’ chances of getting the disease by as much as 80 percent compared to tobacco users without the genes. The studies also suggest that smokers with the cancer-prone genetic variants are more likely to become addicted to nicotine.

All smokers have a ten times greater risk for lung cancer than nonsmokers, but less than 20 percent actually develop the disease.

The studies surveyed the DNA of thousands of smokers and ex-smokers of European descent in the United States, Canada and Europe, and identified two gene mutations that were common in about 45 percent of white smokers. Smokers with one of the mutations had a 28 percent increase in their lung cancer risk while those with both mutations had an 80 percent increased risk.

In the area where the mutations were found there are also three genes that stimulate the production of proteins that bind with nicotine. This leads to evidence that nicotine itself may help cause cancer.

The researchers indicate that more studies need to be done to include African-American and Hispanic populations.

Results of this research may make it possible to improve lung cancer and nicotine addiction treatment, and to identify smokers who are at most risk for lung cancer.

The scientists remind everyone that it is never safe to smoke whether you have these gene variants or not.