Women appear to be more susceptible to the harm of the cancer-causing chemicals in cigarette smoke. Even considerating body size and smoking history, this increased danger persists, leading doctors to believe that smoke actually has a different effect on women. Pre-cancerous lesions in the lungs and airways are signs of an increased risk for lung cancer. Risk often is assessed by measuring how air flow is obstructed by these lesions. But UT Southwestern doctors found that women tend to develop pre-cancerous lesions in the outer parts of the lung.
Men tend to develop lesions in the central airways.
As a result, common screening tests may miss early cancer in women. New screening methods that take gender into consideration may need to be developed. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.