Cyclin D1 (CCND1) is a key regulatory protein of the cell cycle. The purpose of our study was to assess the role of CCND1 genetic variants influencing the genetic susceptibility of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We conducted a study of 1234 individuals, including 892 controls and 342 cases. Individuals carrying two G-alleles have a 2-fold increased risk for the development of NSCLC and the waiting time for onset of NSCLC in these patients was 2 years earlier in comparison with other individuals. Our results may be important in contributing to the knowledge of the mechanisms involved in lung carcinogenesis.