JAMA

Our medical research library holds 45 studies published in JAMA (1964–2025). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 10 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it. For 3 studies PubMed has no abstract for, we give the abstract printed in the article or, where there is none, a summary we wrote from it, each labeled as such.

About the journal

• Publisher: American Medical Association
• Published: 1960 to the present, United States
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0098-7484 (print), 1538-3598 (electronic)
• Continues: Journal of the American Medical Association
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Lung Cancer in Nonsmoking Individuals: A Review. C. Murphy, T. Pandya, C. Swanton, et al. 2025;334(20):1836-1845. Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Importance: Lung cancer in nonsmoking individuals (defined as people who have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime) accounts for 15% to 20% of all lung cancer cases worldwide. In the US, the annual incidence of lung cancer in nonsmoking individuals is 14.4 to 20.8 per 100 000 person-years in females and 4.8 to 12.7 per 100 000 person-years in males.

  Observations: Most lung cancers in nonsmoking individuals are histologically adenocarcinomas (60%-80%) with the remainder being squamous or adenosquamous (10%-20%) and rarely small cell lung cancer (<10%). Risk factors include exposure to passive smoking, radon exposure, air pollution, asbestos, and history of lung cancer in a first-degree family member. Therapeutically targetable genomic variants, such as EGFR mutations or ALK gene rearrangements, are more common in tumors from nonsmoking individuals compared with those with a smoking history (defined as people who currently or formerly smoked) (43% vs 11% for EGFR and 12% vs 2% for ALK). In contrast, tumor mutation burden, the number of somatic mutations in a tumor cell, is lower in lung cancer among nonsmoking individuals (0-3 mutations/megabase [Mb] vs 0-30 mutations/Mb). Similar to individuals with a history of smoking, nonsmoking individuals with lung cancer may present with wheeze, chest pain, dyspnea, hemoptysis, or symptoms attributable to metastatic disease (eg, bone pain and headache) or be diagnosed with incidentally detected disease. The US Preventive Services Task Force does not currently recommend lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomographic scans for nonsmoking individuals, although screening guidelines vary globally. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies depending on stage, performance status, and molecular features of the tumor. Comprehensive next-generation sequencing should be performed on stage Ib to IIIa lung cancer tumor tissue from nonsmoking individuals because actionable genomic alterations, such as EGFR mutations or ALK gene rearrangements, are treated with targeted therapy such as the tyrosine kinase inhibitors osimertinib or lorlatinib, respectively. Median survival among nonsmoking individuals with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (stage IIIb or higher) and actionable genomic alterations can exceed 3 to 5 years, while survival without these genomic alterations is similar to lung cancer in people with a history of smoking (1-2 years).

  Conclusions: Lung cancer in nonsmoking individuals accounts for 15% to 20% of lung cancer cases worldwide. Among patients with lung cancer, nonsmoking individuals are more likely to have genomic alterations such as EGFR mutations or ALK gene rearrangements, and these patients have improved survival when treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors compared with chemotherapy.

• Improving the Detection of Asbestos in Cosmetics. R. Rubin. 2022;327(7):615. PubMed · Publisher

• Asbestos Wasn't Found in Cosmetics Containing Talc. R. Voelker. 2021;326(21):2121. PubMed · Publisher

2010s

• Asbestos Exposure Still Poses Occupational Health Risks. 2017;317(14):1405. PubMed · Publisher

• Trends and Patterns of Disparities in Cancer Mortality Among US Counties, 1980-2014. A.H. Mokdad, L. Dwyer-Lindgren, C. Fitzmaurice, et al. 2017;317(4):388-406. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Introduction: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and results in a high economic burden.

  Objective: To estimate age-standardized mortality rates by US county from 29 cancers.

  Design And Setting: Deidentified death records from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and population counts from the Census Bureau, the NCHS, and the Human Mortality Database from 1980 to 2014 were used. Validated small area estimation models were used to estimate county-level mortality rates from 29 cancers: lip and oral cavity; nasopharynx; other pharynx; esophageal; stomach; colon and rectum; liver; gallbladder and biliary; pancreatic; larynx; tracheal, bronchus, and lung; malignant skin melanoma; nonmelanoma skin cancer; breast; cervical; uterine; ovarian; prostate; testicular; kidney; bladder; brain and nervous system; thyroid; mesothelioma; Hodgkin lymphoma; non-Hodgkin lymphoma; multiple myeloma; leukemia; and all other cancers combined.

  Exposure: County of residence.

  Main Outcomes And Measures: Age-standardized cancer mortality rates by county, year, sex, and cancer type.

  Results: A total of 19 511 910 cancer deaths were recorded in the United States between 1980 and 2014, including 5 656 423 due to tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer; 2 484 476 due to colon and rectum cancer; 1 573 593 due to breast cancer; 1 077 030 due to prostate cancer; 1 157 878 due to pancreatic cancer; 209 314 due to uterine cancer; 421 628 due to kidney cancer; 487 518 due to liver cancer; 13 927 due to testicular cancer; and 829 396 due to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cancer mortality decreased by 20.1% (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 18.2%-21.4%) between 1980 and 2014, from 240.2 (95% UI, 235.8-244.1) to 192.0 (95% UI, 188.6-197.7) deaths per 100 000 population. There were large differences in the mortality rate among counties throughout the period: in 1980, cancer mortality ranged from 130.6 (95% UI, 114.7-146.0) per 100 000 population in Summit County, Colorado, to 386.9 (95% UI, 330.5-450.7) in North Slope Borough, Alaska, and in 2014 from 70.7 (95% UI, 63.2-79.0) in Summit County, Colorado, to 503.1 (95% UI, 464.9-545.4) in Union County, Florida. For many cancers, there were distinct clusters of counties with especially high mortality. The location of these clusters varied by type of cancer and were spread in different regions of the United States. Clusters of breast cancer were present in the southern belt and along the Mississippi River, while liver cancer was high along the Texas-Mexico border, and clusters of kidney cancer were observed in North and South Dakota and counties in West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Alaska, and Illinois.

  Conclusions And Relevance: Cancer mortality declined overall in the United States between 1980 and 2014. Over this same period, there were important changes in trends, patterns, and differences in cancer mortality among US counties. These patterns may inform further research into improving prevention and treatment.

1990s

• Deaths from asbestos: one physician's practice. D. Jackson. 1992;268(16):2169. Comment · Letter PubMed

• The health hazards of asbestos removal. L. MacDonald. 1992;267(1):52-3. Comment · Letter PubMed · Publisher

• A landmark case in asbestosis. I.J. Selikoff, M. Greenberg. 1991;265(7):898-901. Historical article PubMed

  Abstract

  The first published account of disease attributed to occupational asbestos exposure was that of Nellie Kershaw, who died in 1924. The circumstances relating to that case are described and explanations are given for its not having a greater impact on policy at that time. This case, starting in 1898, is set in the context of missed opportunities for preventing a major public health hazard. The effects of this hazard are still being witnessed today.

• Asbestos removal, health hazards, and the EPA. Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association. 1991;266(5):696-7. PubMed

  Abstract

  Resolution 193 (A-90), which was adopted by the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association, called on the Council on Scientific Affairs to study the situation regarding asbestos abatement, the risks to health, and the appropriateness of Environmental Protection Agency regulations, policies, and control measures. This report reviews the current status of asbestos abatement as applied to schools and public buildings, which currently accounts for the major expenditure of public funds.

• The environment and the lung. Changing perspectives. J.M. Samet, M.J. Utell. 1991;266(5):670-5. Review PubMed

  Abstract

  The focus of public health concern and research in regard to environmental lung diseases has changed across the century. Illustrative agents include radon, indoor asbestos, environmental tobacco smoke, acidic aerosols, and oxidant gases. Tremendous progress has been made in understanding and preventing environmental lung diseases. However, we remain concerned about adverse consequences of breathing polluted outdoor and indoor air. In the persistent concerns about adverse effects of polluted air on the lung, a new emphasis is pervasive; the focus has shifted from avoiding clinical disease among highly exposed individuals to protecting the population from an unacceptable burden of risk. The technique of quantitative risk assessment has become increasingly important for characterizing the safety of environmental agents. The resulting emphasis on the final risk projection and attendant uncertainties may overly emphasize gaps in our knowledge.

1980s

• From the Centers for Disease Control. Chronic disease reports: deaths from lung cancer--United States, 1986. 1989;262(9):1170, 1172. PubMed

• Asbestos exposure-cigarette smoking interactions among shipyard workers. P.D. Blanc, J.A. Golden, G. Gamsu, et al. 1988;259(3):370-3. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  We studied the roentgenograms, pulmonary function tests, and physical findings of 294 shipyard workers to evaluate asbestos exposure-cigarette smoking interactions. Roentgenographic parenchymal opacities, decreased pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, decreased flow at low lung volume, rales, and clubbing were each significantly related to the number of years elapsed since first exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoking status when analyzed by logistic regression. A dose-dependent cigarette smoking response that was consistent with synergism was present only for parenchymal opacities and decreased flow at low lung volume. These findings suggest that decreased flow at low lung volume, possibly reflecting peribronchiolar fibrosis, may be a functional corollary to smoking-associated parenchymal roentgenographic opacities among some asbestos-exposed individuals.

• Endemic pleural calcification and mesothelioma. A.M. Langer, R.P. Nolan, S.H. Constantopoulos. 1988;260(3):339-40. Letter PubMed

• Endemic pleural calcification and mesothelioma. 1988;259(4):520. Letter PubMed

• 100 citation classics from the Journal of the American Medical Association. E. Garfield. 1987;257(1):52-9. Historical article PubMed

  Abstract

  The 100 most-cited JAMA articles were identified using the 1955 through 1983 Science Citation Index of the Institute for Scientific Information. The most-cited article received 705 citations, while the least-cited article received 158. The oldest was published in 1910 and the most recent in 1976. These articles describe important medical advances in areas such as asbestos exposure, smoking, and oral contraceptives. Most of the 285 JAMA authors are Americans and include Baruch S. Blumberg and Edward A. Doisy, both Nobel laureates. Thirteen of the articles were included in JAMA's original landmark series; the editorial committee used a combination of peer review and citation frequency to select 51 articles.

• Friable asbestos in schools must be found by May 1988, removal plan must start by 1989. K. Garrahan. 1987;257(12):1570-1. News PubMed · Publisher

• Mesothelioma: has patient had contact with even small amount of asbestos?. K. Garrahan. 1987;257(12):1569-70. News PubMed

• Asbestos bodies in carcinoma of colon in an insulation worker with asbestosis. A. Ehrlich, A.N. Rohl, E.C. Holstein. 1985;254(20):2932-3. Case report PubMed

• Asbestos-associated diseases: lessons from the past for the future. A. Fischbein, A.M. Langer, A.N. Rohl. 1985;254(10):1309-10. Case report · Letter PubMed

• Asbestos-related diseases. H. Frumkin, D. Egilman, M. Kelly, et al. 1985;254(10):1307-9. Letter PubMed · Publisher

• Lung cancer cell type and asbestos exposure. A. Churg. 1985;253(20):2984-5. PubMed

  Abstract

  It is often claimed that adenocarcinoma is the most frequent type of lung cancer seen in workers exposed to asbestos. Careful review of the published data, however, fails to support this claim. Rather, it seems that all types of lung cancers occur in asbestos workers, and the presence or absence of a specific cell type cannot be used to prove or disprove an association of carcinoma and asbestos exposure.

• A physician's guide to asbestos-related diseases. Council on Scientific Affairs. 1984;252(18):2593-7. PubMed

• Asbestos content in lungs of occupationally and nonoccupationally exposed individuals. R.F. Dodson, S.D. Greenberg, M.G. Williams, et al. 1984;252(1):68-71. PubMed

  Abstract

  Previous reports have indicated that a majority of the population has asbestos bodies within their lungs. These studies generally have been carried out using cohorts from urban environments. The present study compares the asbestos body levels from three unique cohorts: (1) a nonoccupationally exposed group from a large urban environment having a relatively low asbestos content, (2) patients with lung cancer from a nonurban setting, and (3) amosite asbestos workers, who worked and lived in a rural setting. The number of asbestos bodies in both the urban nonoccupationally exposed group and the patients with lung cancer was generally found to be low or below limits of detectability, with the exceptions being those persons in whom an occupational exposure was eventually found. The ferruginous body content of the occupationally exposed group varied considerably between individuals as well as between sites within the same individual.

• Asbestos. An environmental reality. J.E. Craighead. 1984;252(23):3292-3. PubMed · Publisher

• Landmark article April 6, 1964: Asbestos exposure and neoplasia. By Irving J. Selikoff, Jacob Churg, and E. Cuyler Hammond. I.J. Selikoff, J. Churg, E.C. Hammond. 1984;252(1):91-5. Historical article PubMed · Publisher

• Landmark perspective: Asbestos. An industrial asset with a health cost. W.R. Barclay. 1984;252(1):96. Historical article PubMed · Publisher

• Pleural mesothelioma and neighborhood asbestos exposure. Findings from microchemical analysis of lung tissue. A. Fischbein, A.N. Rohl. 1984;252(1):86-7. Case report PubMed

• Radiology of asbestos disease. L.R. Goodman. 1983;249(5):644-6. PubMed

• Prevalence and incidence of benign asbestos pleural effusion in a working population. G.R. Epler, T.C. McLoud, E.A. Gaensler. 1982;247(5):617-22. PubMed

  Abstract

  Benign asbestos effusion was defined by (1) exposure to asbestos, (2) confirmation by roentgenograms or thoracenteses, (3) no other disease related to pleural effusion, and (4) no malignant tumor within three years. There were 34 benign effusions among 1,135 exposed workers compared with no otherwise unexplained effusions among 717 control subjects. Prevalence was dose related with 7.0%, 3.7%, and 0.2% effusions with severe (III), indirect (II), and peripheral (I) exposure, respectively. The latency period was shorter than for other asbestos-related disorders. Benign effusion was the most common asbestos-related abnormality during the first 20 years after exposure. Incidence studies showed 9.2 effusions per 1,000 person-years for level III exposure, 3.9 for level II, and 0.7 for level I. Most effusions were small; 28.6% recurred, and 66% were asymptomatic. There was one mesothelioma six years after effusion. Asbestos exposure should be carefully searched for in patients with "idiopathic" pleural effusion.

• Experts cite paralysis of asbestos exposure control efforts. J. Elliott. 1980;243(3):211-3, 219. News PubMed · Publisher

• The autopsy and asbestos exposure. J.S. Felton. 1980;244(15):1675. Letter PubMed

1970s

• Asbestos and smoking. I.J. Selikoff, E.C. Hammond. 1979;242(5):458-9. Editorial PubMed
• Familial mesothelioma after intense asbestos exposure at home. F.P. Li, J. Lokich, J. Lapey, et al. 1978;240(5):467. Case report PubMed
• NIH research findings: Recent studies show workers exposed to asbestos years ago are at a greater risk for some diseases. 1978;239(23):2431-2. PubMed
• Asbestos exposure and laryngeal carcinoma. S. Freifeld. 1977;238(12):1280. Case report PubMed
• Asbestos-like fibers in Duluth water supply. Relation to cancer mortality. T.J. Masson, F.W. McKay, R.W. Miller. 1974;228(8):1019-20. PubMed
• Letter: Asbestos fibers in drinking water. P. Gross. 1974;229(7):767. PubMed
• Talc and asbestos contaminant of rice. R.R. Merliss. 1971;216(13):2144. PubMed

1960s

• Asbestos dust--a community hazard?. 1969;209(8):1216-7. PubMed

• Asbestos and mesothelioma. M.C. Godwin, G. Jagatic. 1968;204(11):1009. PubMed

• Asbestos bodies and their bioeffects. R.T. DeTreville, P. Gross. 1968;203(13):1142-3. PubMed

• Asbestos exposure, smoking, and neoplasia. I.J. Selikoff, E.C. Hammond, J. Churg. 1968;204(2):106-12. PubMed

• Asbestos bodies in human lungs at autopsy. D. Cauna, R.S. Totten, P. Gross. 1965;192:371-3. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The incidence of asbestos bodies in the lungs was investigated in 100 autopsies of adults. Lung smears were taken from the sectioned surfaces of the upper and lower lobes of both lungs. The slides were dried and mounted without staining, and approximately 400 low-power fields were examined in each slide. Routine histological sections of unexpanded lungs were also examined in all cases. Asbestos bodies were found in 41% of the subjects. They were not encountered in persons up to 24 years of age. Among males the incidence was 47%, and in females 34%. Although significant microscopic pulmonary fibrosis was encountered in two positive cases, no instance of classical asbestosis was found. Mesothelioma of the pleura was not encountered. Primary lung carcinoma occurred in one patient with asbestos bodies and in one without.

  PubMed has no abstract for this study. This is the authors' abstract, copied from the article.

• Benign asbestos pleurisy. H.B. Eisenstadt. 1965;192:419-21. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The clinical picture of benign asbestos pleurisy differs greatly from that of classical asbestosis. It may occur in the absence of significant pulmonary disease and respiratory dysfunction. This entity must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any form of idiopathic pleurisy. The history of exposure to asbestos will aid in directing the attention to this entity; however, the final diagnosis depends on a lung tissue specimen containing asbestos corpuscles or asbestos fibers.

  PubMed has no abstract for this study. This is the authors' abstract, copied from the article.

• Asbestos exposure and neoplasia. I.J. Selikoff, J. Churg, E.C. Hammond. 1964;188:22-6. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Building trades insulation workers have relatively light, intermittent, exposure to asbestos. Of 632 insulation workers, who entered the trade before 1943 and were traced through 1962, forty-five died of cancer of the lung or pleura, whereas only 6.6 such deaths were expected. Three of the pleural tumors were mesotheliomas; there was also one peritoneal mesothelioma. Four mesotheliomas in a total of 255 deaths is an exceedingly high incidence for such a rare tumor. In addition, an unexpectedly large number of men died of cancer of the stomach, colon, or rectum (29 compared with 9.4 expected). Other cancers were not increased; 20.5 were expected, 21 occurred. Twelve men died of asbestosis.

  PubMed has no abstract for this study. This is the authors' abstract, copied from the article.

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