Who Is More At Risk For Lung Cancer- Men or Women? Know From Doctor

Historically, lung cancer has been associated with men, largely due to higher smoking rates. However, this narrative is changing. Women's lung cancer incidence is increasing with some studies suggesting they may be more susceptible to certain types of lung cancer. Additionally, women are often diagnosed at a younger age and with fewer smoking-related risk factors. This shift underscores the need for gender-specific awareness and research. In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Manav Manchanda, Director & Head- Respiratory, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Asian Hospital explained who is at more risk for getting lung cancer-men or women.

Who Is At More Risk For Getting Cancer- Men or Women? 

He said that India being the second-largest user of tobacco in the world is witnessing rising cases of lung cancer both among men and women. Men still smoke more in India, so naturally they have more. But the alarming thing is that women, especially in rural households who are passive smokers or inhale household smoke may equally become victims of it. That is endangering their lungs as well.

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He said indoor air pollution, wood cooking and ongoing exposure to smoke indoors are all factors which increase the incidence in women. Tobacco consumption by women is also slowly on the rise, mainly in smokeless form like gutka and betel.

He said the main challenge is that signs of lung cancer such as chronic cough or dyspnea are often ignored or misdiagnosed as tuberculosis (TB). By the time proper treatment is initiated, the disease may have already reached a late stage. In rural regions, limited access to cancer care hospitals, specialists, and CT scans renders early detection more difficult. Sometimes patients have to go long distances, incur expenses on travel and accommodation and yet wait in long queues, he said.

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While men remain more likely to develop lung cancer in India due to the fact that they are more likely to smoke but women, especially those exposed to passive smoke or household pollutants are becoming more susceptible. Early screening and awareness can be a lifesaver.