The medical community is facing a perplexing challenge as lung cancer rates among young women who have never smoked are climbing at an alarming rate, a trend not mirrored in their male counterparts or older population.
This concerning pattern has emerged from recent data provided by Cancer Research UK (CRUK), which indicates a staggering 130 per cent increase in lung cancer cases among females under the age of 24 over the past few decades.
This demographic now represents the fastest-growing group at risk of the disease across both sexes, although individuals over 70 are still the most likely to receive a diagnosis.
In stark contrast, the incidence of lung cancer in young men has remained relatively stable during the same period, leaving medical professionals at a loss for explanations.
With this, the traditional image of lung cancer as an affliction of the elderly or long-term smokers is being challenged because it eliminates the primary risk factor traditionally associated with the disease: smoking.
The rise in lung cancer cases among young, non-smoking women is particularly baffling for doctors because the smoking rates among women aged 18 to 24 has declined, as suggested by figures from the Office of National Statistics.
Thus, the search for alternative causes for this type of cancer in young women has become more urgent.
Some experts have posited that the surge in vaping among young women, with nearly one in 10 reportedly using these devices, could be a contributing factor. However, this remains a theory among many that are being explored, and there is no conclusive evidence to support it as a cause of the increase in lung cancer cases.
Meanwhile, Professor Karol Sikora, believes that the surge may be part of a broader trend of increasing cancer incidence in young people.
While the rise is not as dramatic as that seen in colon cancer, it is suspected to be linked to complex interactions with environmental factors that are yet to be determined, including changes in diet, exercise habits, and work patterns.
Despite the significant increase, the world-renowned oncologist emphasised that lung cancer remains relatively rare among young women, with only a small number of cases reported annually.
At the moment, it is difficult for medical professionals to provide public health advice or identify individuals who may be at higher risk. However, experts who noted that the observed increases in lung cancer predate the development of these vaccines have dispelled the unproven claims that COVID-19 vaccines are linked to a rise in cancer cases.
With the uncertainty surrounding the cause of this trend, Sikora urges young women not to ignore persistent coughs lasting more than two weeks, especially during times when colds are common.
While the overall rates of the disease have declined by about 9 per cent since the 1990s, the recent trend among young women is a stark reminder that vigilance is necessary in knowing the symptoms of this disease, which include a persistent cough, repeated chest infections, coughing up blood, pain while breathing, persistent breathlessness, fatigue, and unexpected weight loss.
Other less common signs of lung cancer to take note of include changes in finger appearance, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, voice changes, and facial or neck swelling.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is strongly encouraged to consult their general practitioner.
As the medical community continues to investigate this alarming trend, it is crucial for individuals, particularly young women, to be aware of the potential risks and symptoms of lung cancer, even if they have never smoked.
Early detection and understanding of the disease are key to improving outcomes and addressing this mysterious rise in cases.
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Also read: Can I get lung cancer if I’ve never smoked?
