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An article released by HealthDay News reported that studies show women may be more vulnerable than men to the carcinogens and other noxious substances in cigarette smoke.
In one study of nearly 700 people with lung cancer, Swiss experts found that women tended to be younger when they received the diagnosis, even though they smoked less than the men who developed lung cancer.
In another study, researchers from Harvard University and the University of Bergen in Norway evaluated more than 950 men and women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), known to be linked to smoking. The result: The women with COPD were younger when they got the diagnosis and had smoked less than the men with the respiratory ailment.
In fact, several other studies in the past 20 years have suggested that female smokers may be more susceptible to lung cancer than male smokers.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States. More people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined, according to the American Cancer Society. So whether or not gender makes women more susceptible to the effects of smoking that cause lung cancer remains to be seen. But one thing is certain, quitting—especially before the age of 50—is the best possible way to cut down one’s risk of getting cancer.
xx, Grace Daniel
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Jennifer Windrum | 11-Nov-09 at 9:41 pm | Permalink
Thanks so much for this post. Thought I would pass this along in response.
I have launched a personal campaign called “WTF” (Where’s the Funding) for Lung Cancer? Yes, you get the double-entendre. It’s my politically incorrect campaign to raise awareness and funds for lung cancer…and it is working. (Nov. is Lung Cancer Awareness Month).
My mom – a non smoker- has Stage IV lung cancer. Inoperable. Incurable. I am chronicling my mom’s story through my campaign: The bad, the bad and the ugly. Lung cancer is THE #1 cancer killer and THE least funded. The reason: The stigma of smoking. Many people don’t know that you do NOT have to smoke to get lung cancer. In fact, 60% of all new lung cancer cases are made up of former smokers (who quit decades ago) or never-smokers.
I started my “WTF” campaign less than two weeks ago and have had an amazing response, with nearly 1,300 “WTF” Facebook group members and calls from major lung cancer organizations/foundations to inquire about a “WTF” partnership of some kind.
You can check out my campaign here:
“WTF” Facebook Page:”WTF” Facebook Group
“WTF” Blog: http://wtflungcancer.posterous.com/
“WTF” Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/wtflungcancer
“WTF” YouTube: “WTF” YouTube
The edginess of my campaign has definitely struck a much-need chord for those with lung cancer. I am using my skills as a former reporter; PR practitioner; social media strategist; and passionate, relentless and saddened daughter to cut through all the crap to bring lung cancer the attention and funding it deserves. Thanks a bunch. Jen