Lung Cancer Biomarkers and Screening

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Screening Cohort * At high- or low-risk for lung cancer * Smoking history ≥ 20 pack years\* * With or without workplace exposure to asbestos * NOTE: \* Participants with \< 20 pack years of smoking are eligible if 50 years of age or older * Rule-Out Lung cancer group * Referred for evaluation of suspicious nodules with 1 of the following diagnoses: * Lung cancer * Nonmalignant nodules (control group) PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Not pregnant * No prior malignancy except nonmelanoma skin cancer PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * Not specified