When discussing women’s cancers, breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers often come to mind. However, lung cancer claims more lives among women in the United States than the combined mortality of these three. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to learn more about how to prevent lung cancer, as well as the symptoms that can be associated with it.
Risk factors and prevention
Over the past 20 years, lung cancer rates have increased in women. The exact reasons are unclear, but there are several possible explanations including hormones or increased exposure to secondhand smoke. Genetics also likely plays a role.
Most lung cancer risk factors are environmental, such as smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, exposure to cancer-causing substances in the air and prior radiation treatment. A family history of lung cancer also puts you at higher risk of developing it. Doing your best to avoid environmental risk factors helps lower your risk of getting lung cancer:
- Don’t smoke; smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. To speak with a tobacco treatment specialist about quitting tobacco, please call 443-481-5366.
- Avoid secondhand smoke.
- Avoid radon exposure in your home. Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas naturally released from rocks, soil and water. Radon can get into homes and buildings through small cracks or holes and build up in the air. You can order radon testing kits here.
- Avoid exposure to asbestos, a mineral used in many products including insulation and construction materials; its fibers can be inhaled or ingested.
Symptoms, screening and treatment
Unusual fatigue, weight loss, a persistent cough and/or coughing up blood, shortness of breath and wheezing are all symptoms of lung cancer. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor right away and don’t hesitate to request a screening.
Our experts recommend annual lung cancer screening starting at the age of 50-years-old for those who currently smoke, or have quit in the past 15 years. As with all cancers, earlier detection of lung cancer improves outcomes.
Treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and IV treatments such as chemotherapy. There are also some patients who might be eligible for oral pills that can target the cancer specifically. Different treatments are sometimes used together, with a treatment plan tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.
In Conclusion
The rise in lung cancer in women is concerning and more research is needed. Both men and women should talk to their doctor if they have any questions regarding lung cancer prevention or to see if they qualify for a lung cancer screening imaging test.
Feras Abdul Khalek, MD is an experienced medical oncologist at Luminis Health. He is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. He is also an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer. 
