More young and middle-aged women are being diagnosed with lung cancer at a higher rate than men, and scientists are struggling to understand why, new research shows. Awareness of the disease’s effects on women is lacking, experts say, and the US government spends significantly less on its research than on similar studies in men.

“When you ask people what the number one cancer killer of women is, most will say that it’s breast cancer. It’s not. It’s lung cancer. Lung cancer is a women’s health disease, but we clearly need to educate more people about it,” said Dr. Andrea McKee, a radiation oncologist and volunteer medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association.

  • LostDeer
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    1 year ago

    It’s probably just some sexist bias influencing the studies. I’m guessing the doctors performing the studies have reviewed cases from actors and actresses, who use a lot of makeup and hair spray, and still found a higher rate of lung cancer in women.

    Maybe women are more likely to the doctor at the first sign of trouble rather than waiting until the cancer spreads leading to more diagnosisis?

    • Everythingispenguins@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Not sure why you are getting down voted. This could easily be true and where not needs to be controlled for. Controlling variables is the only way to get good science. It in no way is a dismissal of the potential problem.