Arab Americans & Lung Cancer Research

Intervention Research with the Middle Eastern/Arab Americans to Reduce and Eliminate Disparities

Smoking and Lung Cancer

Metropolitan Detroit has the largest population of Middle Eastern/Arab Americans numbering more than 400,000 residents. Given the growing practice of water pipe (WP) smoking, especially among Arab American adolescents, Dr. Rice and colleagues are studying the little known effects of such risk behavior. Compared to cigarette smokers, they expect that WP smoking significantly diminishes lung function and increases health problems among youth. They also expect to see differing patterns, frequency, and intensity of WP use, yet similar or worse health problems as outcomes. The study sites include three public high schools in the Karmanos' catchment area. A detailed water pipe and cigarette smoking "lifetime" history of tobacco use has been obtained from nearly 3000 high school seniors. The 300 students with the longest and most severe water pipe and/or cigarette smoking histories have been asked to participate in saliva cotinine testing (to verify their smoking status) and pulmonary function testing. These students will be compared with nonsmokers matched on key pulmonary function variables (age, gender, height, and ethnicity). The analyses will estimate the effects of smoking status on spirometry outcomes.

  • Lead Researcher: Dr. Rice

The Latest From Karmanos Cancer Institute

News

Karmanos Cancer Institute Receives the 2026 Women’s Choice Award® as One of America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care

Karmanos Cancer Hospital, part of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , has been named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care in 20...

Read More

Your Family History Matters: What Genetic Counseling Can Reveal

Your genes play a meaningful role in your health—shaping everything from your physical features to your risk for certain medical conditions, inclu...

Read More

IN THE NEWS: Early Detection is Key for Breast Cancer Diagnosis

WDIV Catching breast cancer early, before it spreads, gives patients better treatment options and outcomes. Hadeel Assad, M.D. , medical oncologis...

Read More
News

WSGW | Risks of Pancreatic Cancer

Listen Now

WWJ | Karmanos Psychologist on Emotional Impact of Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Listen Now

WWJ | ‘Houses with Roofs Caved In’: Karmanos Surgeon Explains Stage 0 Breast Cancer (DCIS)

Listen Now