Lung cancer and the risk of an increasing and marked increase among women

Lung cancer and the risk of an increasing and marked increase among women  

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Historically, there was a greater burden of lung cancer among men than among women - in part due to the higher prevalence of smoking behaviors as well as their participation in more risky occupations (mining, construction, etc.). However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of lung cancer among women, although there were no statistically significant changes in the percentage of women who smoked or were exposed to substances such as asbestos and radon.

A recent study found lung cancer rates to be higher in women aged 30 to 49 years in six developed countries - Canada, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the United States. These increases appear to be due to the significant increase in cases of adenocarcinoma - the most common type of cancer found in people who do not smoke. While this type of cancer makes up about 40% of lung cancer cases, it is much slower than other tumors, and can take longer to find and diagnose — which means an increased risk of metastasis. While smoking can be a contributing risk to the development of adenomas, it is the least contributor here. Other contributing risk factors include air pollution, heavy metals, diesel exhaust fumes, and use of beta-carotene supplements.

So what contributes to the increased rates in women?

More women started smoking as soon as they filtered cigarettes - in fact, there are many brands of filtered cigarettes that are tailored and marketed to women, such as Virginia Slims, Capri, and Misty. Because of how the filters on cigarettes distribute tobacco smoke to the outer parts of the lungs, they increase the overall risk of developing adenomas. Moreover, the most dramatic decrease in smoking behavior is seen in men, which means that the resulting decrease in the risk of lung cancer is also observed in men - and, of course, the risk for women is relatively higher than for women than previously seen.

One contributing factor to a person's lung cancer risk is the length of time they smoke; In fact, this has a greater impact on lung cancer risk than if they stopped smoking or how long ago they stopped. Studies have shown that 24% of lung cancer cases in women occur in those who have never smoked. It has been hypothesized—but not yet demonstrated—that because women's immune systems are intended to tolerate the presence and development of the child, an immune-privileged foreign growth for all intents and purposes here, they are more susceptible to pollutants and other immunologically distinct substances inhaled from their natural environment and lead to to the growth of early cancers. Thus, secondhand smoke, radon gas, and other air pollutants may have a greater impact on lung cancer risk for women than for men.

Moreover, the increased risk of lung cancer in women appears to begin with age groups in their late 30s and 40s - a time when women may also experience a decrease in natural estrogen production, the onset of menopause, a diagnosis of PCOS, and use of other methods Hormonal contraception. Studies have shown that hormone replacement therapies and the use of estrogen can increase tumor growth and contribute to other pre-existing genetic factors that cause adenomas to grow.

Traditional gender roles...

While we now live in the twenty-first century, and there are far more families dividing their duties at home as the spouses work outside the home, many women are still the only cook for the family. Research shows that 80% of women are still solely responsible for buying food and cooking for their families. This is important for lung cancer research, because some cooking methods increase the risk of cancer. For example, women who cook with charcoal are more likely to develop lung cancer than those who do not. In addition, cooking oils lead to the formation of carcinogens, which women who use cooking oils may be more susceptible to if they do not cook in a well-ventilated area.

A call to action!

Clearly, more research is needed into the change in lung cancer risk and what this means for men and women. Research into diseases affecting women has been sorely lacking for centuries, and has been for a long time. Unfortunately, lung cancer appears to be no different, as public health focus continues on anti-smoking campaigns, smoking cessation, and education. While this is important, it is time for epidemiologists to investigate the underlying causes of the increased risk to women and produce supportive data, so that public health officials can then create educational programs and campaigns directed at women at increased risk of being affected. Perhaps in the next decade, the world may see a reduction in the lung cancer burden and mortality rates among women as well as men.