Smokers above 36 years of age with low level of BRCA2 appeared to exhibit a 1.78-fold increased risk for HNSCC (with a 1.78-fold increased risk for HNSCC (OR = 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33–9.52) though this risk was not significant statistically. The gene discussed is BRCA2; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.