Cancer of the lung in women

Abstract

A study from Wales of 132 women with cancer of the lung admitted consecutively during the five years 1964-68, and of 13 other women submitted to surgery at an earlier period, showed that the prognosis for women was worse than for men. Every woman except one was followed up for more than five years. Of the 132 women in the consecutive series only five survived for five years, while the five-year survival rate after resection in 35 women was less than one-half of that of men. The cause of the worse prognosis for women in Wales appears to be due to some sex-linked factor. It cannot be explained by the age of the patient or by the histology, location, early or resectability of the growth. The prognosis of cancer of the lung in English, French, and American women is considered. The relative incidence of the disease in women and men is discussed. Sex and nationality appear to be of importance, but the influence of tobacco and other atmospheric carcinogens is obscure.