Smoking women: the alarming statistics

Published by rudy Date posted on August 23, 2010

More and more women are dying from lung cancer. In new statistics released by the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), with a rate of 2,500 (per 100,000 research population) new cases of women with lung cancer monitored, 2,043 patients have died.  The higher mortality rate is due to the fact that more females smoke cigarettes; and unlike breast cancer, lung cancer is detected only during advanced stages.

“Based on data that we have at the Philippine Cancer Society, lung cancer is the top cause of cancer-related death for males. And while breast cancer among females is most prevalent, the mortality rate for women caused by lung cancer is significant,” said PCS executive director Dr. Rachel Rosario.

“Tobacco use is the single most significant lifestyle choice that has increased the incidence of lung cancer. The mortality rate is alarming because more than 80 percent of women with lung cancer have succumbed to the disease. This dangerous habit affects not only the smoker, but also the people around them. Second-hand smoke is as lethal, and a new study has pointed out that 3rd hand smoke is also a possible cause of cancer” added Dr. Rosario. While first-hand smoke is inhaled directly by the smoker and second-hand is the smoke exhaled (and inhaled by others), third-hand smoke is the residue from second-hand smoke.

Some studies on third-hand smoke and its effects reveal that tobacco residue that lingers on surfaces can react with another chemicals in the air to form potent carcinogens — chemicals linked to various cancers. When someone smokes in a confined space, the scent lingers for an extended period of time. This indicates the presence of third-hand smoke. Nicotine can persist on those indoor surfaces, such as walls, floors, carpeting, drapes, and furniture for days, weeks, and even months.

International lung cancer death rates among women vary dramatically, which reflect the historical differences in the adoption of cigarette smoking by women in different countries. In 1990, lung cancer accounted for about 10 percent of all cancer deaths among women worldwide and more than 20 percent of cancer deaths among women in some developed countries.

In 1950, lung cancer accounted for only three percent of all cancer deaths among women. However, by 2000, it accounted for an estimated 25 percent of cancer deaths an estimated one of every four cancer deaths and nearly one of every eight newly diagnosed cancers among women.

Research has also shown that women are approximately 1.5 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men given the same conditions and the number of cigarettes smoked on a daily basis. Furthermore, the risk for dying of lung cancer is 20 times higher among women who smoke two or more packs of cigarettes per day than among women who do not smoke.

For more information about the cancer, visit the website at www.cnetwork.org.ph.

July 2025

Nutrition Month
“Give us much more than P50 increase
for proper nutrition!”

Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations
against serious violations of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.

Accept National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar.  Reject Military!

#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideosturesVideos

Time to support & empower survivors. Time to spark a global conversation. Time for #GenerationEquality to #orangetheworld!

July


3 July – International Day of Cooperatives
3 Ju
ly – International Plastic Bag Free Day
 
5 July –
World Youth Skills Day 
7 July – Global Forgiveness Day
11 July – World Population Day 
17 July – World Day for
International Justice
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30 July – World Day against Trafficking in Persons 


Monthly Observances:

Schools Safety Month

Nutrition Month
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Weekly Observances:

Week 2: Cultural Communities Week
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise
Development Week
Week 3: National Science and
Technology Week
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National Culture Consciousness Week
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Philippines Business Week
Week ending last Saturday of July:
Arbor Week

 

Daily Observances:

First Saturday of July:
International Cooperative Day
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