2023-10-17 12:25:24
Young and Middle-Aged Women Diagnosed with Lung Cancer at Higher Rate Than Men, Scientists Seek Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – A new study has revealed that more young and middle-aged women are being diagnosed with lung cancer at a higher rate than men. Scientists are now struggling to understand the underlying reasons behind this alarming trend.
Experts have expressed concern over the lack of awareness surrounding the impact of lung cancer on women. The US government also spends less on research focused on women compared to similar studies on men. Dr. Andrea Mackey, a radiation oncologist and volunteer medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association, highlighted the misconception surrounding the number one cancer that kills women. She stated, “When you ask people about the number one cancer that kills women, most of them will say it is breast cancer, but it is not. Rather, it is lung cancer. Lung cancer is a disease that affects women. But clearly we need to educate more people about it.”
Dr. Mackey recently participated in the GO2 Lung Cancer Conference, where experts and advocates discussed the disparities faced by women with lung cancer and the need to raise awareness about this “hidden” cancer that claims the lives of approximately 164 women daily in the United States.
Traditionally, lung cancer has been considered a disease primarily affecting older men due to the targeted marketing efforts of tobacco companies. Smoking remains the primary cause of lung cancer. The association between smoking and women’s independence increased its prevalence among women, thereby catching the attention of tobacco companies.
However, these factors alone do not fully explain the rise in lung cancer cases among women. Smoking rates have notably declined in the past two decades, according to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Paradoxically, the rate of lung cancer among women has increased, particularly among those who have never smoked.
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found that women aged between 35 and 54 were being diagnosed with lung cancer at a higher rate than men of the same age. The study, conducted between 2000 and 2019, reveals a decline in lung cancer diagnoses among men, but a lesser decline among women. Workplace exposure to carcinogens was significantly lower among men, but this alone cannot account for the observed changes.
The lack of understanding regarding the underlying factors contributing to this gender disparity in lung cancer has prompted increased funding for research. Identifying and addressing these specific issues is crucial for public health leaders.
Historically, many women were excluded from large lung cancer studies, and clinical trials also excluded women before 1993. Research shows that lung cancer diagnoses have risen by 84% in women over the past 43 years, even among those who never smoked, while it has fallen by 36% in men. Astonishingly, women who never smoked are more than twice as likely to develop lung cancer as men who never smoked.
Apart from smoking, other risk factors for lung cancer include family history, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos contamination, and arsenic in drinking water, according to the American Cancer Society.
Lung cancer is notorious for its high fatality rate, predominantly due to late-stage diagnoses when treatment options are limited. Despite significant advancements in treatment, only 5% of eligible individuals undergo lung cancer screening, as reported by the American Lung Association.
Scientists hope that highlighting the gender differences in lung cancer will raise awareness among healthcare providers about how the disease affects women. This knowledge is crucial for effective monitoring and early detection of lung cancer in women.
In conclusion, the rising rate of lung cancer among young and middle-aged women calls for increased awareness and research to identify the reasons behind this concerning trend. Understanding the unique challenges faced by women with lung cancer will facilitate improved prevention, detection, and treatment strategies to combat this deadly disease.]
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