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Lung cancer cases increasing among non-smoking women; here’s why
Even though smoking rates are declining around the world, cases of lung cancer are increasing among non-smoking women. According to experts, it could be due to genetic mutations, hormones and exposure to various toxins apart from some other risk factors. Since there are no screening guidelines for non-smokers, lung cancer may be difficult to detect in its early stages. Read on to know the signs and symptoms.
There is no single risk factor for developing lung cancer, and women are susceptible to a combination of several factors, including their hormones and genetics.
Statistics show that lung cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Additionally, 80 percent of lung cancer deaths across the country are due to tobacco use. While doctors say tobacco plays a significant role in this deadly disease, even if you don’t have a history of smoking, you can get lung cancer. In fact, rates of lung cancer are increasing among non-smokers, especially women.
According to studies, while smoking rates are decreasing around the world, lung cancer is increasing. About two-thirds of lung cancer cases among nonsmokers occur in women.
Why is lung cancer increasing in non-smoking women?
Experts believe there is no single risk factor for developing lung cancer — and that women are sensitive to a combination of several factors, including their hormones and genetics.
second hand smoke
The study states that most women are victims of second-hand smoke from their male partners. According to the American Lung Association, more than 40,000 people die each year as a result of complications from exposure to secondhand smoke, which contains a variety of toxins such as arsenic ammonia, benzene and formaldehyde.
estrogen
Estrogen – the sex hormone in women’s bodies – also contributes to the development of lung cancer. Studies have noted that non-small cell lung cancer expresses the receptors – and pre-menopausal women have the highest risk of more aggressive lung cancer compared to both post-menopausal women and men.
genetic variation
Changes in your genetic component also contribute to the development of lung cancer in women. Doctors say that these mutations are generally not inherited from parents but are acquired over the lifetime.
Experts suggest getting genetic testing to find out if your genes are susceptible to mutation so you can undergo targeted treatments to protect yourself from developing lung cancer.
virus
According to studies, certain types of viruses have a direct cause-and-effect relationship – causing lung cancer in many women. Some of these include hepatitis B and C, human papillomavirus or HPV, and Epstein-Barr virus – all of which can be prevented by following a proper vaccination schedule.
What is Lung cancer symptoms and signs What do you need to be aware of?
According to experts, most of the symptoms of lung cancer look similar to other less serious diseases. Many people don’t have any symptoms until the disease is advanced, so it’s important to know what they are and tell your doctor right away.
- cough that persists for a long time or gets worse
- recurring pneumonia
- coughing up blood
- chest pain
- wheezing
- breathlessness
- chronic fatigue
- unintentional weight loss
- hoarseness
- loss of appetite
- shoulder pain
- swelling of the face, neck, arms, or upper chest
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