Lung cancer deaths in women alarm Philippine Cancer Society

CEBU, Philippines – An official of the Philippine Cancer Society yesterday expressed alarm over the increasing lung cancer deaths among women, saying more and more women are drying from the disease.

PCS executive director, Dr. Rachel Rosario said based on their data, lung cancer is the top cause of cancer-related death for males but added that "while breast cancer among females is most prevalent, the mortality rate for women caused by lung cancer is significant," she stressed.

In new statistics released by the group, 2,043 out of the 2,500 (per 100,000 research population) women inflicted with lung cancer have died.

The higher mortality rate is due to the fact that more females are becoming cigarettes smokers and unlike breast cancer, lung cancer is detected only during advanced stages, according to Rosario.

"Tobacco use is the single most significant lifestyle choice that has increased the incidence of lung cancer. The mortality rate is alarming because more than 80 percent of women with lung cancer have succumbed to the disease. This dangerous habit affects not only the smoker, but also the people around them. Second-hand smoke is a lethal, and a new study has pointed out that third-hand smoke is also a possible cause of cancer," she explained.

Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells do not carry out the functions of normal cells and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. As they grow, the abnormal cells can form tumors and impede the function of the lung, which is to provide oxygen to the body via the blood.

While first-hand smoke is inhaled directly by the smoker and second-hand is the smoke exhaled (and inhaled by others), third-hand smoke is the residue from second-hand smoke.

Some studies on third-hand smoke and its effect reveal that tobacco residue that lingers on surfaces can react with another chemical in the air to form potent carcino-gens- chemicals linked to various cancers. When someone smokes in a confined space, the scent lingers for an extended period of time. This indicates the presence of third-hand smoke. Nicotine can persist on those indoor surfaces such as walls, floors, carpeting, drapes and furniture for days, weeks and even months.

Although smoking is the primary cause in the increase in lung cancer among women, the disease is also diagnosed in women who have never smoked. Researchers think factors like genetic, such as how women's bodies react to carcinogen (substances that cause cancer), environmental, such as exposure to second-hand smoke, radon, as-bestos, and hormones, such as estrogen may contribute to the development of lung cancer in women who don't smoke.

Lung cancer was traditionally perceived as a type associated with man, women may know very little about the disease and its warning signs. The evolving gender roles that rewarded women the same status and choices as men has also put a serious responsibility to be more aware on new concerns such as lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

For more information about lung cancer, visit www.cnetwork.org.ph. (FREEMAN)