Why is lung cancer increasing in women under 50 according to Dr Sunny Jain?

Dr Sunny Jain attributes the rise to modern lifestyles, air pollution, indoor smoke, passive smoking, and biological factors making women more susceptible.

What are the early warning signs of lung cancer in women?

Red flags include persistent cough, chest pain, breathlessness, hoarseness, repeated lung infections, and unexplained weight loss, which should prompt immediate evaluation.

Can lung cancer in women be treated effectively?

Yes, early-stage lung cancer in women is often curable with surgery or radiotherapy, and modern treatments offer improved outcomes for advanced stages.

Home / Health / Lung Cancer Surges in Women Under 50

Lung Cancer Surges in Women Under 50

1 Jan

•

Summary

Lung cancer in women under 65 surpassed men's in 2021.
Air pollution and indoor smoke are key environmental factors.
Early symptoms are often mistaken for common ailments.

Lung cancer has surpassed men in incidence among women under 65, with a notable rise in women under 50, a trend identified as of 2021. This increase is linked to modern lifestyle factors and environmental exposures, including pervasive air pollution in Indian cities and indoor smoke from biomass fuels. Poor ventilation and passive smoking further elevate risk.

Biological factors also play a role, with women, particularly Asian women, being more susceptible to adenocarcinoma, a lung cancer subtype often found in non-smokers. Genetic mutations and hormonal differences may increase susceptibility. This leads to younger, non-smoking women being diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, a situation no longer rare.

Delay in diagnosis is a significant danger, as symptoms are often attributed to pollution, allergies, or infections. However, persistent respiratory issues warrant lung imaging. While concerning, lung cancer in women can be biologically more treatable, with early-stage disease curable through surgery or radiotherapy. Modern treatments like targeted therapies and immunotherapy are improving outcomes for advanced cases.