Why are more women getting diagnosed with lung cancer? New research reveals insights

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NEW YORK, Oct 14, (Agencies): Recent research reveals a concerning trend: increasing numbers of young and middle-aged women are being diagnosed with lung cancer at a higher rate than men. The reasons behind this alarming shift remain unclear, and experts emphasize the need for greater awareness of the impact of lung cancer on women. Compounding the issue is the significant disparity in government funding allocated for lung cancer research in women compared to men.

Dr. Andrea McKee, a radiation oncologist and spokesperson for the American Lung Association, stressed the importance of educating the public about lung cancer in women. Although breast cancer is often mistakenly believed to be the leading cancer killer among women, the reality is that lung cancer claims the lives of approximately 164 women daily in the United States.

The GO2 for Lung Cancer Conference, where experts and advocates recently discussed gender disparities in lung cancer, highlighted the pressing need to recognize this “hidden” women’s cancer as a major public health issue.

Traditionally, lung cancer was perceived as a disease primarily affecting older men due in part to early marketing efforts by tobacco companies that targeted men. Even in World War II, cigarettes were included in military rations. The association of smoking with female independence led to changes in smoking patterns among women, further capturing the tobacco industry’s attention.

However, the increased incidence of lung cancer among women cannot be solely attributed to changes in smoking habits. Despite declining smoking rates over the past few decades, lung cancer rates have risen among women, particularly those who have never smoked.

Research published in JAMA Oncology reported higher lung cancer diagnosis rates in women aged 35 to 54 compared to men in the same age group. The study examined data from 2000 to 2019 and found that a decline in lung cancer among men, partly due to reduced exposure to carcinogens in the workplace, did not fully account for the increase in lung cancer cases among women.

The lack of clarity on the factors driving this gender-specific trend underscores the urgent need for increased funding to investigate these differences. Lawmakers are considering the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventative Services Act, aimed at enhancing funding and improving access to lung cancer preventive services for women. It also mandates public awareness campaigns.

Inequities in research funding are also a concern. Only 15% of the National Institutes of Health budget is allocated to female-focused research, despite lung cancer being the deadliest cancer for women in the U.S., surpassing breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer combined. Notably, lung cancer receives the least funding per death among major cancers.

Historical exclusion of women from significant lung cancer studies and clinical trials further hinders our understanding of the disease’s impact on women. Over the past 43 years, lung cancer diagnoses have surged by 84% in women while declining by 36% in men, even among many female non-smokers. Women who have never smoked are over twice as likely as their male counterparts to develop lung cancer.

Multiple risk factors, including family history, secondhand smoke exposure, radon, asbestos, pollution, and arsenic in drinking water, contribute to the development of lung cancer, as reported by the American Cancer Society.

Late-stage diagnoses continue to be a primary reason for the high fatality rate associated with lung cancer. Despite significant advancements in treatment options, only 5% of eligible individuals receive lung cancer screenings. Experts hope that increased awareness of gender disparities in lung cancer will prompt healthcare providers and individuals to be more vigilant in monitoring and identifying potential cases.

Warning signs of lung cancer include a persistent cough lasting over six weeks, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, and hoarseness. If any of these symptoms are present, individuals are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and early detection.

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