The Rising Tide of lung Cancer in Women: A Legacy of Past Smoking Habits
Lung cancer remains a significant health challenge, with over 50,000 new cases diagnosed annually in France – more than 33,000 in men and over 19,000 in women. While incidence rates have stabilized among men, largely due to declining smoking rates, a concerning trend is emerging: a surge in lung cancer diagnoses among women. This increase is directly linked to smoking habits prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s.
Dr. Sophie Cousin,a medical oncologist at the Bergonié Institute specializing in early phase clinical trials and sarcoma,highlights the critical issue of late diagnosis. “symptoms,namely chronic cough and difficulty breathing,most of the time arrive too late,” she explains,noting that 60% of lung cancer diagnoses occur at a metastatic,advanced stage. This contrasts sharply with breast cancer, where only 5% of cases are diagnosed late, a difference attributed to established screening programs.
The link between tobacco and lung cancer is strong, with 85% of cases originating from smoking. However, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and occupational risks – such as exposure to toxic substances for professions like hairdressing – also contribute.
Efforts are now focused on reversing this trend, with a key strategy being widespread lung cancer screening. The high Authority for Health is currently developing a protocol targeting high-risk individuals. This initial screening program will focus on women and men aged 50-74 who have a significant smoking history – defined as smoking at least one pack per day for twenty years,or having quit less than fifteen years ago. The screening will utilize a “low dose” CT scanner, minimizing radiation exposure.
Studies,including the Nelson study conducted in 2020,have demonstrated the effectiveness of low-dose CT scans in detecting early-stage lung tumors,reducing the risk of death from lung cancer by 24% in men and 33% in women.
Dr. Cousin emphasizes that while innovative therapies – including targeted therapy, immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy, and surgery – are significantly advancing treatment options, early detection remains paramount. “Surgery is still the best treatment, provided of course that the stage of the disease is early,” she states, reinforcing the vital importance of both smoking cessation and proactive screening.Ultimately, reducing tobacco consumption remains the most effective long-term strategy for decreasing the incidence of lung cancer.
