What's deadliest cancer in women? Too few know answer, warn doctors

Published on Friday 19 August 2011 17:06

MOST British women underestimate the seriousness of a diagnosis of lung cancer compared with other forms of the disease.

A new survey has shown just one in five correctly identified the disease as the UK's biggest cancer killer of women, with most believing that breast and cervical cancer cause more female deaths. However, statistics show that lung cancer causes more deaths in women each year than both diseases combined, with lung cancer claiming 15,000 female lives a year compared to 13,000 from breast and cervical cancer.

The survey of more than 2,000 UK women also found that women fail to appreciate the poor prognosis associated with lung cancer, with more than four out of five women wrongly estimating the five-year survival rate for female lung cancer patients being at just least 20 to four per cent. In fact only nine per cent of women diagnosed with lung cancer will be alive five years after diagnosis.

Dr Marianne Nicolson, consultant medical oncologist Aberdeen NHS Grampian, said the survey was a cause for "real concern".

She said: "The fact that the majority of women do not recognise the seriousness of a diagnosis of lung cancer is a real concern. Most women know about self examination for signs of breast cancer, such as a lump, and to seek immediate medical advice if they have concerns. The results of this survey show that women are less likely to see their doctor urgently if they display symptoms of lung cancer, such as a constant cough.

"Early diagnosis saves lives and the earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of cure. This is especially relevant for women, who typically respond better to active treatment than men. It is important that women appreciate the risk of lung cancer, reduce their risk by stopping smoking where that is an issue and, through recognition of the danger signs, seek medical advice immediately if they believe they have the relevant symptoms."

The survey, conducted on behalf of The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation (RCLCF), found most women could identify the most common symptoms of lung cancer, such as persistent cough, fatigue and weight loss, but almost 20 per cent would not go to their doctor if they experienced these symptoms.

However, the foundation said one in ten of smokers, who are most at risk, would not see a doctor if they showed clear symptoms of lung cancer.

In order to address these findings and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer The RCLCF has launched the Women Against Lung Cancer campaign.

RCLCF chief executive Dr Rosemary Gillespie said: "There is a perception that lung cancer is a disease associated with older men. However, the reality is that whilst the number of men being diagnosed with the disease is falling, the lung cancer rates among women have increased over the past 30 years. We hope to put lung cancer at the top of women's agendas."