25-Year-Old Woman Develops Lung Cancer Despite Healthy Lifestyle: Connection to Makeup Products Raises Concerns

A 25-year-old woman does not smoke or drink alcohol, yet she suffers from “lung cancer.” Doctors suspect it may be related to items used by many women.

According to SOHA, 28-year-old Xiao Yang from Zhejiang Province, China, who typically prioritizes her health, has a habit of running every morning and takes excellent care of her health. She does not stay up late, smoke, or consume alcohol.

However, after a health checkup organized by her company, she was informed that a chest CT scan revealed a shadow measuring 10×6 mm in her left lung. During this time, doctors advised her to take medication for 9 days and to follow up with a high-resolution chest CT scan in 3 months. If the shadow remained, surgery might be considered.

Results showed that after 3 months, the shadow had not disappeared, leading to the need for surgery. Post-surgery results indicated that the shadow was lung cancer. Fortunately, it was still in the early stages and could be completely treated after removing the affected tissue.

This is just one of many cases of women with no risk behaviors—who do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, and hardly cook—yet still fall ill with lung cancer.

Previously, lung cancer was more commonly found in men and heavy smokers, but in recent years, the number of women suffering from this disease has risen continuously. A 43-year study published in the United States in 2023 found that the number of women with lung cancer increased by 84%.

Chen Jin-Xing, a surgeon at National Taiwan University Hospital, pointed out that the significant rise in lung cancer diagnoses among women in recent years is related to their frequent makeup habits.

He explained that female lung cancer patients typically do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, and hardly cook. Aside from family history or genetic factors, the primary cause of cancer is exposure to low-quality or unknown origin cosmetics that women use daily.

He elaborated that powder cosmetics often contain talcum powder, which is frequently found alongside asbestos in nature. Thus, low-quality or unknown origin cosmetics on the market that have not undergone asbestos removal processes often contain high levels of asbestos. If asbestos is not eliminated during production, it is often sold alongside the cosmetics.

However, there are powdered cosmetics that have a clear source and quality that are free from asbestos, but the cost of asbestos removal is high, leading to increased retail prices.

In reality, there are powdered cosmetics on the market with identifiable origins and quality that have had their asbestos removed, but the expense for asbestos elimination is very high, hence the prices of such cosmetics are also elevated.

Therefore, Doctor Chen Jin-Xing recommends that for their health, women should avoid using cosmetics of unknown origin and quality. Additionally, if makeup is no longer necessary, they should try to remove it as soon as possible.

Rising Concern: Lung Cancer and Cosmetics Among Women

A recent case of a 25-year-old woman diagnosed with lung cancer despite a healthy lifestyle has sparked a conversation about the overlooked risks related to cosmetic use. In a world where smoking and alcohol consumption have long been viewed as primary factors for lung cancer, emerging studies suggest that low-quality or unverified cosmetics may pose a new threat.

As highlighted by Dr. Chen Jinxing from National Taiwan University Hospital, the surge in lung cancer diagnoses among women can be correlated with increased cosmetic usage. Many women integrate a variety of makeup products into their daily routines, often unaware of the potential dangers lurking within these items.

The focus on the health implications of talc-based products is gaining traction. Talc, a commonly used ingredient in cosmetic powders, can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. While there are products on the market that have undergone safety testing and elimination of asbestos, their higher price points discourage consumers from choosing safer alternatives.

This shift in understanding the risks associated with certain products is expected to ignite a demand for transparency in cosmetic manufacturing. Future trends may include:

• Increased Regulatory Scrutiny: Governments and health organizations might impose stricter regulations on cosmetic safety, ensuring that all products are tested for harmful contaminants.
• Consumer Awareness Campaigns: Advocacy groups could take initiative to educate consumers about the risks of using low-quality cosmetics and the importance of sourcing products from reputable brands.
• Demand for Clean Beauty: The rise in popularity of clean beauty products—those that are free from harmful ingredients—may lead brands to reformulate their products and invest in better quality control.
• Innovative Safety Testing: Technology companies could develop more advanced testing methods to verify the safety of cosmetic products before they reach consumers.

With women accounting for a significant increase in lung cancer diagnoses, the dialogue around beauty products and their contents is becoming increasingly crucial. As knowledge of the risks associated with certain cosmetics expands, consumers are likely to seek safer alternatives, ultimately shifting industry standards and practices.