Lung Cancer Treatment for Women

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. Cigarette smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, and approximately 17% of American women smoke.  
 

Risk factors for non-smoking women include:

• Genetic factors, such as how women's bodies react to substances that cause cancer (carcinogens)
• Environmental factors, such as exposure to radon, second-hand smoke and asbestos
• Hormones, such as estrogen

Lung cancer in women vs. men
Lung cancer development affects women differently than men for reasons not yet completely understood. The following are likely causes for the different biologic and genetic differences:

• Women have genes that make them more vulnerable to tobacco smoke
• Hormones, such as estrogen, could directly or indirectly affect cancer growth
• Women’s bodies break down tobacco chemicals differently
• Changes to genes that control cell growth, which may result in the development of cancer
• Women may have a decreased ability of the body to repair damaged DNA, as DNA damage can promote the development of cancer

For reasons that are not yet understood, women with lung cancer live longer than men. For example, the percentage of people who survive at least five years after the cancer is detected is higher in women: 16% compared with 12% in men.
 

To schedule an appointment with a MetroSouth Medical Center physician treating lung cancer in women, call 708-489-7925.