Lung Cancer In Women

When you think of women’s health concerns, lung cancer may not come to mind. But each year, lung cancer kills nearly twice as many American women as breast cancer. In recent years, lung cancer rates have steadily declined in men, but risen dramatically in women.

According to the American Lung Association, since the 1970s, cases of lung cancer have declined by 28 percent among men but increased by 98 percent among women. While the reasons for the disparity remain unclear, researchers are tracking down the causes and identifying the most effective prevention strategies for women.

These days, everyone knows that smoking cigarettes is a major cause of lung cancer, but one in five women who develop the disease have never smoked. For women, lung cancer risk appears tied to uniquely feminine factors, including:

• Hormones. The influence of female hormones, especially estrogen, makes women more likely than men to develop lung cancer. In addition, estrogen promotes growth in lung tumors, speeding the spread of the disease.
• Higher sensitivity. Some studies have suggested that women may be more susceptible to lung cancer because they are more sensitive to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) in tobacco smoke and the environment.

Though women are developing lung cancer at a faster rate than men, they are also more likely to survive lung cancer, at all stages of the disease. Why? One reason may be that women tend to notice and seek treatment for lung cancer symptoms such as a persistent cough, hoarseness or chest pain sooner than men. In addition, women diagnosed with lung cancer tend to be a few years younger than their male counterparts, and therefore stand a better chance of fighting off the disease. Also, women tend to respond better than men to lung cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and targeted medication therapies.

The same risk factors that can lead to lung cancer in women also contribute to other respiratory problems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and asthma. To reduce your risk:

• Avoid secondhand smoke. According to the American Lung Association, exposure to others’ smoke leads to some 7,330 lung cancer deaths in nonsmokers every year.
• Test for radon. This naturally occurring, colorless and odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Have your home tested annually for elevated radon levels and promptly repair any problems.
• Avoid environmental carcinogens. Limit exposure to air pollution, asbestos and other known cancer causing agents.
• Take hormones into account. Women at high risk for lung cancer should discuss the issue with their doctors before deciding to take hormone replacement therapy. For women at the highest risk, estrogen-blocking medications may also reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.

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