Date Published: 06/02/2006 [Source]
MADISON, Wis. Every year in the U.S. lung cancer strikes more than 80,000 women and over 70,000 of them die from it. It is the top cancer killer of women, with over 30,000 more women dying annually from lung cancer than from breast cancer. In fact, lung cancer claims more women's lives than breast, ovarian and uterine cancers combined. Yet, a new national survey of women ages 18 to 65+ released todayby the National Lung Cancer Partnership (formerly Women Against Lung Cancer) finds that most women don't know these important facts and are doing little to learn more. YOUNG WOMEN WHO'VE NEVER SMOKED ARE AT RISK Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are over 50, but even young women are at risk. Women make up the majority of young lung cancer patients, and also account for the majority of never-smokers with the disease. Among the survey's other findings were the following about these TRUE statements: -- Only 41 percent of women know that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in the U.S. -- Only 36 percent know that lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer. -- Only 29 percent of women know that lung cancer kills more women than breast, ovarian and uterine cancers combined. -- Only 8 percent of women know that exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Instead, 60 percent of women mistakenly believe it is exposure to second-hand smoke. -- Only 41 percent of women know that one in 17 women will develop lung cancer in her lifetime. -- Only 18 percent of women know that women make up the majority of young under age 40) lung cancer patients. -- Only 4 percent of women know that women typically fare better than men after treatment for lung cancer. WHAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LUNG CANCER
1. Lung cancer affects women differently than men, and young women (under 40) are at greater risk for developing lung cancer than young men. 2. More women die of lung cancer than any other cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancers combined. 3. Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, so if you smoke, quit. 4. Your risk of lung cancer continues to decline with every year you don't smoke. However, if you used to smoke, you remain at increased risk for lung cancer for at least 20 years after you quit. 5. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, so if you live in an area with high levels of radium in the bedrock, have your house tested for radon exposure. To find out more, go to http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/zonemap.html . 6. Risk factors for lung cancer other than smoking include lung scarring from infection with tuberculosis and occupational or environmental exposures to radon, second-hand smoke, radiation, asbestos, air pollution, arsenic and some organic chemicals. 7. Symptoms of lung cancer may include a cough that won't go away, chest, shoulder or back pain that won't go away, unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, coughing up blood, swelling in the neck and face, difficulty swallowing, weight loss and loss of appetite, increasing fatigue and weakness, and recurring respiratory infections such as pneumonia. 8. Lung cancer, like any other cancer, is most treatable when detected early. If you smoke now or smoked in the past, or have a family history of lung cancer, talk to your doctor about screening tests that may be available to you. 9. Although lung cancer is a serious disease, women typically fare better than men after treatment for lung cancer. 10. Eating a well balanced diet -- including fruits and vegetables -- helps reduce the risk of lung cancer. 11. Lung cancer research is significantly under-funded, despite the fact that lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of women in the U.S. Less money is spent on lung cancer research than on the next three top cancer killers. To find out how you can help, go to http://www.NationalLungCancerPartnership.org .