Women and smoking: The alarming statistics

MANILA, Philippines - More and more women are dying of lung cancer. In new statistics released by the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), with a rate of 2,500 (per 100,000 research population) new cases of women with lung cancer monitored, 2,043 patients have died. The higher mortality rate is due to the fact that more females smoke cigarettes; and unlike breast cancer, lung cancer is detected only during advanced stages.

“Based on data that we have at the Philippine Cancer Society, lung cancer is the top cause of cancer-related death for males. And while breast cancer among females is most prevalent, the mortality rate for women caused by lung cancer is significant,” says PCS executive director Dr. Rachel 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 as lethal, and a new study has pointed out that third-hand smoke is also a possible cause of cancer,” adds Dr. Rosario.

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 effects reveal that tobacco residue that lingers on surfaces can react with another chemical in the air to form potent carcinogens — 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

International lung cancer death rates among women vary dramatically, which reflect the historical differences in the adoption of cigarette smoking by women in different countries. In 1990, lung cancer accounted for about 10 percent of all cancer deaths among women worldwide and more than 20 percent of cancer deaths among women in some developed countries.

Research has also shown that women are approximately 1.5 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men, given the same conditions and the number of cigarettes smoked on a daily basis. Furthermore, the risk for dying of lung cancer is 20 times higher among women who smoke two or more packs of cigarettes per day than among women who do not smoke.

Although smoking is the primary cause of the increase in lung cancer in women, lung cancer is diagnosed in women who have never smoked. Researchers think the following factors may contribute to the development of lung cancer in women who don’t smoke:

 • Genetic factors, such as how women’s bodies react to carcinogens (substances that cause cancer).

 • Environmental factors, such as exposure to second-hand smoke, radon, and asbestos.

 • Hormones, such as estrogen.

Because lung cancer was traditionally perceived as a type associated with men, 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 have also put a serious responsibility to be more aware of new concerns such as lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

For more information on cancer, visit the website at www.cnetwork.org.ph.