Lung Cancer More Deadly Than Breast Cancer [10/07-2]
Excerpts from: American Cancer Society Reminds Women Who Smoke - Lung Cancer
More Deadly Than Breast Cancer
Yahoo News
[10/06/03]
If you ask most people what cancer is the leading killer of women, they likely
will say breast cancer. Surprisingly, they'd be wrong. Lung cancer now leads
as the number one cause of cancer death in women. The American Cancer Society
estimates that approximately 69,000 American women will die this year from lung
cancer - more than from breast and ovarian cancers combined.
Fortunately, most cases of lung cancer can be prevented. Smoking is the most
important risk factor for developing lung cancer, accounting for eight out of
ten cases. Experts also warn that women need to be aware of their lung cancer
risk, since they may be especially vulnerable to developing the disease.
"Women are particularly susceptible to lung cancer because of the hormone
estrogen," said Sandra Norman, Ph.D., president of the American Cancer
Society, Pennsylvania Division. "In fact, women who smoke develop lung
cancer at 1.5 times the rate of men who smoke. With this in mind, I urge my
female patients who smoke to quit immediately. It's the single most important
thing they can do right now to prolong their lives."
For women who are ready to kick the smoking habit, the Pennsylvania Department
of Health and American Cancer Society offer a free smoking cessation program
for state residents. The Pennsylvania Free Quitline (1-877-724-1090) is a telephone
counseling service where trained professionals coach callers through the process
of quitting smoking in the privacy and convenience of their own home. In addition
to the five 20- to 45-minute telephone counseling sessions, callers receive
a series of informational brochures that address the unique challenges of quitting.
They also receive referrals to education and support services in their local
community.
This information is presented as a public service by:
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
2013 H Street NW / Washington, DC 20006 / (202) 659-4310
A national nonprofit, scientific and educational organization founded in 1967.
All donations are fully tax deductible.
Material on this page may be freely reproduced, distributed, and circulated
with attribution given to Action on Smoking and Health.
Dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Warren Wells