Lung cancer in women set to increase more than in men

Posted: 13/11/2012

It has been reported recently that the number of women with lung cancer in the UK is set to increase beyond the number of men with the disease.

Recent figures published by Macmillan Cancer Support estimate that the number of women living with the disease will rise from around 26,000 in 2010 to 95,000 in 2040. However, cases in men will only increase by a further 3,000 cases.

Lung cancer kills more people in the UK than any other cancer and 80% of cases are said to be linked to tobacco. An analysis by King's College London for Macmillan suggests there will be an overall doubling of lung cancer cases from 65,000 in 2010 to 137,000 in 2040.

Macmillan Cancer Support has warned that lung cancer receives only around a quarter of the research funding given to breast cancer.

Ciaran Devan, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, has commented: "It is nonsensical that research in this area receives such minimal funding compared with other cancers. This has to change."

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