Women, Men, Smoking, and Lung Cancer

The association between smoking and lung cancer risk was equitable across the sexes.

Lung cancer, the leading worldwide fatal cancer, is also a top cause of cancer-related mortality in U.S. women. Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancers; however, prior studies have suggested that smoking raises lung cancer risk more in women than in men. In a prospective cohort study, investigators assessed smoking history based on responses to an NIH-AARP survey of more than 460,000 individuals (age range, 50–71). Incident lung cancer cases during follow-up (median, 7 years) were confirmed through linkage with state cancer registries.

Overall, lung cancer occurred in 2237 women and in 4097 men. Rates of adenocarcinoma, small-cell carcinoma, and undifferentiated tumors were similar in both sexes, but squamous tumors occurred half as often…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Women, Men, Smoking, and Lung Cancer

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Reviewing Author