The study highlights gender disparities in lung cancer risk, indicating that non-smoking women face a higher risk than non-smoking men.
Sex hormones may play a role in these differences, although previous evidence has been inconsistent. However, a recent large-scale study involving over 273,000 women found associations between reproductive factors like age at menopause and first childbirth, and increased lung cancer risk.
Experts suggest considering reproductive factors in lung cancer screening to improve detection and potentially reduce the disease burden in women. Dr. Wael Harb, a haematologist and medical oncologist, emphasises the importance of these findings in tailoring screening strategies and reducing lung cancer incidence among women. The research contributes to understanding the intricate relationship between reproductive factors and lung cancer, prompting further exploration and potential advancements in screening and intervention methods.