We all know that smoking is among the main causes of lung cancer, but new studies show that rates of lung cancer in women have risen – including among nonsmokers. DR HARISH MITHIRAN of Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre discusses why and tells us more about lung cancer symptoms, screening and treatment.
Tell us about the recent research showing increased rates of lung cancer in women.
It has been set in our collective mindsets that if you smoke, there’s a higher probability that you may get lung cancer. While smoking is still considered the leading cause of lung cancer, women who are non-smokers are unfortunately developing it too.
Researchers and clinicians are discovering an uptick in lung cancer rates in women of Asian descent who are above 40 and who have never smoked. This phenomenon suggests that factors beyond tobacco use, including genetic mutations and environmental exposure, play critical roles.
What’s particularly notable are the recent findings of a gene mutation unique within this generation alone, significantly altering the landscape of lung cancer in women.
What are the main factors contributing to this increase?
For women in Singapore, the lifetime risk of developing lung cancer is not as high as that for breast cancer, but it is rising as the third most common form of cancer in women.
Research is examining how a mutation in the EGFR gene relates to the increase in the prevalence of lung cancer among nonsmokers. It’s also more commonly found in women than men, particularly Asian women from China, Taiwan, India, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.
What role does genetics play in determining a woman’s risk of lung cancer?
Specific genetic mutations, both inherited and acquired, are known to increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Notably, mutations in genes such as EGFR are frequently observed in lung cancer patients who have never smoked. These discoveries advance our understanding of lung cancer’s mechanisms to guide thoracic surgical teams on treatment strategies in lung cancer patients with these genetic mutations.
Can you discuss the importance of early detection methods for lung cancer in women and common symptoms?
Detecting lung cancer early is challenging because the symptoms may not be easy to spot. Some patients may present with a persistent cough, weight loss and a loss of appetite. However, most lung cancers often do not show noticeable symptoms until it has advanced, leading to most cases being diagnosed late. If detected early, the outlook for lung cancer is quite hopeful, as is the case with most cancers.
Lung cancer screening methods like low-dose CT scans are effective for catching symptoms of the disease in its initial stages, especially for high-risk groups.
In terms of prevention and awareness, what measures can women take to reduce their risk of developing the disease?
Awareness and proactive health measures like lung cancer screening form the cornerstone of disease prevention. For women, understanding the lung cancer risk factors beyond smoking, such as genetic predispositions and environmental exposure, is vital. Regular lung cancer screenings, particularly for those in high-risk groups, can be a critical step in early detection and treatment. We encourage women concerned about lung health to consult with a lung specialist to discuss personalised lung screening options.
About the doctor
Dr Harish Mithiran is a thoracic surgeon based in Singapore and a senior consultant at Gleneagles and Mount Alvernia Hospital. He leads a multidisciplinary team at Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre and specialises in thoracic surgery.
This article first appeared in the March 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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