Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 26 Oct 2024
Cases of Lung Cancer Rising in Non-smoking Women; Here's Why
There is no single risk factor for lung cancer development, and that women are susceptible to a combination of factors which include their hormones and genetics
Statistics show lung cancer is the leading cause of death across the world. Also, tobacco use accounts for 80 per cent of lung cancer deaths across the country. While doctors say tobacco plays an important role in this deadly disease, even if you don’t have a history of smoking, you can develop lung cancer. In fact, lung cancer rates are rising in nonsmokers, particularly women.
According to studies, while smoking rates are going down across the world, lung cancer is spiking. Around two-thirds of lung cancers in people who do not smoke occur in females.
Why is lung cancer rising among non-smoking women?
Experts believe there is no single risk factor for lung cancer development – and that women are susceptible to a combination of factors which include their hormones and genetics.
Secondhand smoke
Studies say most women are subjected to secondhand smoke from their male partners. According to the American Lung Association, more than 40,000 people die every year as a result of complications of secondhand smoke exposure which has a variety of toxins like arsenic ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Estrogen
Estrogen – the sex hormone in women’s bodies also also contributes to lung cancer development. Studies mention that non-small cell lung cancer expresses receptors – and that premenopausal women are at the highest risk of more aggressive lung cancers than both postmenopausal women and men.
Genetic changes
Changes in your genetic component also lead to the development of lung cancer in women. Doctors say these mutations are generally not inherited from parents but are acquired over a lifetime.
Experts suggest getting genetic testing done to find if your genes are susceptible to conversion so that you can undergo targeted therapies to protect yourself from lung cancer development.
Viruses
According to studies, a few kinds of viruses have a direct cause-and-effect relationship – leading to lung cancer in many women. A few of these include hepatitis B and C, human papillomavirus or HPV, and Epstein-Barr virus – all of which can be prevented by following a proper vaccination schedule.
What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer you need to be aware of?
According to experts, most lung cancer symptoms look similar to other, less serious illnesses. Many people do not get any symptoms until the disease becomes advanced, so it is important to know what they are and report immediately to your doctor.
- A cough that lasts a long time or gets worse
- Recurring pneumonia
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Chronic fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Hoarseness
- Loss of appetite
- Shoulder pain
- Swelling in the face, neck, arms, or upper chest
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