Home Page FeaturedNews
Woman getting an x-ray to check for lung cancer

Lung Cancer Rates in Middle-Aged Women Now Higher Than in Men

Share
By: Dave Gilmartin

Lung cancer rates have been falling faster in men than in women, a trend that has now extended from younger women to those over 50, a new study from the American Cancer Society (ACS) has shown.

The researchers looked at the rate of lung and bronchus cancers diagnosed from 2000 to 2019 and saw the rates of decline between 2000-2004 and 2015-2019 were greater in men than women. Previous studies have shown the rate of lung cancer has been higher in younger women than in men, but this new analysis extended that trend to women over 50.

Among people from 50-54, the rate per 100,000 fell 44% in men, but dropped only 20% in women in that age group, the ACS researchers determined.

“These findings are very concerning,” said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president, surveillance and health equity science at ACS and lead author. “We don’t know why lung cancer incidence rates among younger and middle-aged individuals are now higher in women than men, reversing the historical pattern.”

Jemal points out that cigarette smoking among younger women is not higher than in men but that it is still a major contributor to lung cancers.

“Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. with 80% of cases and deaths caused by cigarette smoking,” said Jemal. “To mitigate the high burden of the disease in young and middle-aged women, greater effort is needed to promote smoking cessation at provider and community levels, improve access to smoking cessation aids and programs through expansion of Medicaid, and increase lung cancer screening in eligible women.”

The ACS analysis further showed that women over 55 continued to have a lower cancer rate than men, although the difference has been shrinking.

 

*Online Bonus Content: This has not been peer reviewed. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or recommendations of the American Nurses Association, the Editorial Advisory Board members, or the Publisher, Editors and staff of American Nurse Journal.

Let Us Know What You Think

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fill out this field
Fill out this field
Please enter a valid email address.


Take the 2024 Nursing Trends and Salary Survey, available now through November 1st 2024

See Past Results
cheryl meeGet your free access to the exclusive newsletter of American Nurse Journal and gain insights for your nursing practice.

NurseLine Newsletter

  • Hidden

*By submitting your e-mail, you are opting in to receiving information from Healthcom Media and Affiliates. The details, including your email address/mobile number, may be used to keep you informed about future products and services.

Test Your Knowledge

What is the primary purpose of a 3-minute foot assessment in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease?

More News