Lung cancer death rates are on the rise in young women in southern and mid-western states, according to a study published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology on June 25.
In California, lung cancer death rates have declined steadily over the years, according to the study. However, in certain southern states, the rates have declined less quickly or, in some cases, increased. In Alabama, for example, lung cancer death rates among women born in the 1960s were approximately double those of women born in the 1930s.
"In the 60s and 70s, there was a sharp increase in the number of girls, not boys, who started to smoke," explained Ahmedin Jemal, lead author of the study.
"These women are now in their 50s, and already we're seeing a sharp rise in deaths from lung cancer in this group. Because it's occurring in people who are young and middle-aged, if they quit now, they can decrease their lung cancer risk by 50 percent as compared to those who continue to smoke," Jemal said.
The study recommended the need for additional intervention to promote smoking cessation in these high-risk populations.
by RTT Staff Writer
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