An estimated 169,500 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in the year 2001. Developing slowly, its symptoms can go undetected for as long as 10 to 20 years. Incidence of lung cancer among women began to slow in the last decade in 1996 the rate in women was 42.3 per 100,000. Since 1987, more women have died each year of lung cancer than breast cancer. Decreasing smoking rates among women lag behind men.
Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor in the development of lung cancer.
Occupations with exposure to hazardous agents. Exposure to chemical products. A scarred area of the lung caused by a prior inflammation. Vitamin A deficiency. Exposure to air pollution.