Recently published research suggests that young and middle-aged women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with lung cancer, with some experts putting the rise down to a lack of awareness about lung cancer’s effects.
Dr Andrea McKee, a radiation oncologist and spokesperson for the American Lung Association, said lung cancer is the number one killer of women.
Around 164 women die from lung cancer every day in the United States, according to an estimate.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of women smoking cigarettes has declined significantly over the past two decades due to its primary role in lung cancer. The number of women with cancer, especially those who never smoked, was rising.
Although scientists have tried to explain why it attacks one gender, they have not been able to find any concrete explanation.
As part of an awareness campaign, legislators intend to establish a specific center aimed at increasing funding and official collaborators to ensure the quality of preventive services provided to women.
NIH spends only 15% of its budget on female-focused research, and lung cancer remains the leading killer of women.
Over the past 43 years, lung cancer diagnoses have increased 84% in women and declined 36% in men, according to a study published in the journal JAMA Oncology.
Researchers found that non-smokers are twice as likely to get cancer as smokers.
Other risk factors include smoking, secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, pollution, and arsenic in drinking water, according to the American Cancer Society.
It is common for lung cancer to be detected late, which is detrimental. Moreover, it remains very difficult to treat.
Researchers hope studies showing gender disparities in lung cancer will make healthcare providers aware of how this disease affects women so they can take precautions.
Consult a doctor if your cough lasts longer than six weeks, if you see blood while coughing, if you are short of breath or hoarse, or if you lose weight without explanation.
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