This cancer has become more common for women than men

While men have historically had higher incidence rates for lung cancer than women, a study shows this pattern has flipped in recent years for middle-aged and younger individuals.

According to research conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), lung cancer has become more common in women than men ages 35 to 54, with the overall incidence rate declining more rapidly among men than women.

When looking at those over the age of 55 who have lung cancer, men still outweigh women. Researchers acknowledge the reason is unknown for the flip in diagnoses based on age.

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, yet it leads to more deaths than any other kind of cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly 197,000 U.S. residents are diagnosed with lung cancer each year and nearly 136,000 die.

About 80% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking, according to the ACS.

“An individual may be more susceptible to lung cancer if they smoke tobacco, are exposed to secondhand smoke, radon, or other substances, or have a family history — especially if that family member was diagnosed at a younger age,” says Dr. Raul Mendoza Ayala, a critical care medicine physician and pulmonologist at Aurora BayCare Medical Center.

Individuals ages 50 to 80 may be eligible for a lung cancer screening if they are:

• A current smoker with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years
• A former smoker with a 20 pack-year history who has quit within the last 15 years

The screening is called low-dose computed tomography or a low-dose CT scan. This involves an x-ray machine using a low dose of radiation to make detailed images of the lungs.

“Early detection of lung cancer could save your life, as cancer is most treatable in its earliest stages,” Dr. Mendoza-Ayala says. “Don’t delay speaking with your primary care provider on whether a low-dose lung screening is right for you.”

Want to learn more about your risk for lung cancer? Take a free online quiz.