Female smokers have increasing risk of lung cancer mortality

Abstract

Compared with women smokers of 20 or 40 years ago, the risk of death is now much greater, which reflects a change in smoking behavior. According to researchers, led by Michael Thun, MD, recently retired vice president emeritus of the American Cancer Society, women are smoking at rates similar to men, more so than in previous generations. The study also confirmed that quitting smoking at any age dramatically lowers mortality from all major diseases and that quitting is more effective than just cutting down on smoking. Researchers found that smokers who quit by age 40 years cut their excess risk of smoking-related mortality from both lung cancer and COPD. Dr. Thun adds that cigarette brands marketed as “light” and “mild” fail to prevent a large increase in mortality risk for women. In fact, these cigarettes may actually have increased deaths from COPD in male smokers, because the diluted smoke is inhaled more deeply into the lungs to maintain the absorption of nicotine to which the smokers are accustomed.