A new study indicates that statins, a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels and treating atherosclerosis, may also help prevent lung cancer.

Researchers found that statin use of 6 or more months was associated with a lung cancer risk reduction of 55%. Statin use of more than 6 months showed a decreased risk of lung cancer across all age groups, and despite race, smoking status, or body mass index (BMI).

This study is published in the recent issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Photo: MedicineWorld