SMOKING WOMEN

The alarming Statistics

ore and more women are dying from 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, said 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 3
rd
hand smoke is also a possible cause of cancer added 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.

nternational 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 that 20 percent of
cancer deaths among women in some
developed countries. In 1950, lung cancer
accounted for only three percent of all cancer
deaths among women. However, by 2000, it
accounted for an estimated 25 percent of
cancer deaths an estimated one of every four
cancer deaths and nearly one of every eight
newly diagnosed cancers among women.

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.

For more information about the cancer
visit the website at www.cnetwork.org.ph
M
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