For Participants

Through the Epidemiology and Genetics of Lung Cancer Research Program, a group of physicians and scientists are studying factors that put people at increased risk of lung cancer and that impact treatment responses and quality of life.

The best ways to study these issues include gathering information from patients who have received care at Mayo Clinic.

While tobacco use is known to be a leading cause of lung cancer, not all people who use tobacco develop lung cancer, nor do all people with lung cancer have a history of tobacco use.

Some evidence shows that certain people may be at a higher risk of developing lung cancer based on factors passed on from one generation to the next (inherited factors). It is our hope that we can identify these factors to help prevent later generations from developing lung cancer and other types of cancers.

Participating in research

If patients meet our research criteria and agree to participate, a study assistant will either set up an interview or mail a questionnaire. The interview takes about 45 minutes. The questionnaire takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

We need to gather information about your disease, treatment and health status annually starting soon after your diagnosis. We understand that you may not know all of the answers to these questions, so you may answer the questions to the best of your ability. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential.

Your participation is extremely valuable to our study. However, participation is completely voluntary, and your medical care at Mayo Clinic will not be affected by your decision to participate or not participate in this study.


If you have any questions, call 800-661-4939 (toll-free) or contact Shawn M. Stoddard, R.N., at 507-266-0887.