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Smokers can take cancer risk test 

New Zealand researchers said yesterday they have developed the world's first test to measure the risk for individual smokers and ex-smokers of developing lung cancer.

The test combines results of DNA analysis with other risk factors such as age, diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema and family lung cancer history, said University of Auckland associate professor Robert Young.

"All smokers face an increased risk of developing lung cancer, among a host of other serious health problems, but for some individuals the risk is much greater than for others," Young said.

"With this test, doctors will be able to identify those at greatest risk while there is still time to help."

The test obtains a patient's DNA from a simple mouth swab.

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