New Report Shows Higher Lung Cancer Incidence in Women Than in Men
According to a new report from the American Cancer Society, cancer incidence in women is rising. The incidence rate for women under 50 is now 82% higher compared to men.
When it comes to lung cancer, the report shows from 2012 to 2021, the incidence rate declined by 3.0% per year in men and by 1.4% per year in women.
Researchers found in 2021, lung cancer incidence was higher for the first time in women under 65 than in men.
Matthew Schabath, PhD, an epidemiologist at Moffitt Cancer Center who focuses on lung cancer, says he believes this is due to historical patterns of smoking.
Matthew Schabath, PhD
“Even though we don’t have very good historical data on sex-specific smoking rates, the data we do have suggests women didn’t quit smoking as rapidly as men over time,” Schabath said.
Data from the American Lung Association shows from 2002 to 2022, the use of tobacco products decreased 36% among men ages 18-25 and 23% among men 26 or older. During the same timeframe, the use of tobacco decreased 29% in women ages 18-25 and 22% in women 26 or older.
Furthermore, a recent study analyzing cessation among dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes found that female dual users were more dependent on cigarettes compared to males. The research also found that women were more likely to try to quit smoking but were not successful.
The American Cancer Society report highlights that tobacco use continues to be the most preventable cause of cancer in the US, attributing to 86% of lung cancers.
Schabath says just because someone quits smoking, that doesn’t mean they are no longer at risk of developing lung cancer several years later.
Previously, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for lung cancer screening classified high-risk as individuals as 50 or older and a current or former smoker with a 20-pack-year smoking history. Now, the recommendation is being extended to include those with a 20-year history of cigarette use.
“Pack years accounts for the years smoked, but also, on average, how many packs a day you smoked,” Schabath said. “Now, it’s just 20 years of smoking. It is an easier calculation and there has been data that suggests that people who have a 20-year history, whether they are previous or current smokers, are still at a high risk for lung cancer.”
Although lung cancer screening has improved throughout the years with technology, innovative therapies and the push people to quit smoking, Schabath says they still have a long way to go.
“We are making improvements, we are seeing declines in mortality rates overall, but there are still striking disparities we need to improve upon and address,” he said.
