Why more women are diagnosed with lung cancer than men? Scientists are perplexed by a recent study as they try to understand why young and middle-aged women are more likely than men to develop lung cancer, which kills more women than breast and ovarian cancers.
Dr. Andrea McKee, a radiation oncologist, asserted that lung cancer, not breast cancer, is the leading cause of death for women and called for more awareness of the condition.
According to estimates, this cancer kills about 164 women per day in the US.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted: “As smoking is seen as a primary cause of lung cancer, the rates of women using cigarettes declined significantly over the past couple of decades.”
“However, the number of women with cancer was rising, especially in those who never smoked.”
Why more women are diagnosed with lung cancer than men?
Lung cancer diagnoses have increased 84% among women over the past 43 years, while they have decreased 36% among men, according to research published in the journal JAMA Oncology.
It was discovered that male non-smokers have a double the risk of developing cancer than people who have never smoked.
Scientists have looked for a reason why it only affects one gender, but they have been unable to do so.
Legislators plan to create a special centre with the goal of increasing funding and enlisting government partners to evaluate the state of the preventive services being offered to women alongside awareness campaigns.
Also read: Some shocking facts about nose cancer: An emerging rare disease
Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of death for women, despite only 15% of the National Institutes of Health budget going towards female-focused research, according to studies.
Other risk factors, according to the American Cancer Society, include family history, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, pollution, and drinking water containing arsenic.
Lung cancer is typically discovered too late, which is harmful. It is still very challenging to treat.
Researchers are hoping that studies demonstrating gender differences in lung cancer will inform medical professionals about how this disease affects women and help them be aware of it.
When a cough lasts longer than six weeks, blood appears while coughing, you feel short of breath or hoarse for a few weeks, or you experience unexplained weight loss, you should see a doctor.
