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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. The American Lung Association reports a decreased rated among men by as much as 36%, but it has risen 84% over the last four decades for women.
These days, everyone knows smoking cigarettes is a significant cause of lung cancer, but one in five women who develop the disease have never smoked (versus one in ten men).
The incidence rate of lung cancer among nonsmoking women 40 to 79 is between 14.4 to 20.8%, but is only 4.8 to 13.7% for nonsmoking men.
While the reasons for the disparity remain unclear, researchers are tracking down the causes and identifying the most effective prevention strategies for women.
For women, lung cancer risk appears tied to 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 faster than men, they are also more likely to survive lung cancer at all stages of the disease. 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 leading 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 taking hormone replacement therapy. For women at the highest risk, estrogen-blocking medications may also reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
