Lung cancer risk the same for men and women

AORN Journal, Sept, 2004

Evidence suggests that men and women who have similar smoking histories have the same risk of developing lung cancer, according to a June 1, 2004, news release from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston. Findings from an analysis of more than 85,000 men and women are contrary to the popular belief that women are more susceptible to lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

Researchers analyzed rates of lung cancer within several categories, including number of cigarettes smoked per day, number of years of smoking, and age at the start of smoking. Overall, lung cancer risk did not differ by gender.

Based on the results of this analysis, studies aimed at examining biological differences among male and female smokers may be less warranted. Instead, resources should be invested in programs aimed at reducing smoking among all people, particularly young people, according to the release.

Lung Cancer Risk Equal Among Male and Female Smokers (news release, Boston: Brigham and Women's Hospital, June 1, 2004) http://www.brighamandwomens.org /publicaffairs/Newsreleases/equal_lung_cancer_dsk_06_01_04.asp (accessed 23 duly 2004).