Lung cancer diagnoses are declining overall—but among people under 65, women now have higher incidence rates than men, according to the American Cancer Society. Many of these women have never smoked. In fact, mutations like EGFR, which are more common in women and especially Asian women, are driving a growing number of lung cancer cases in people who don’t fit the traditional image of a patient. Yet outdated stereotypes still delay diagnosis: younger, nonsmoking women are often misdiagnosed with asthma or bronchitis, losing precious time before receiving life-saving treatment.
Thanks to advances in genetic testing, targeted therapies, and early screening, lung cancer survival is improving. But too many people—especially women—are still dismissed or overlooked simply because they don’t “look” like a typical patient. If you feel something is wrong, trust yourself. Anybody with lungs can get lung cancer. The sooner it’s caught, the better the outcome. Learn more about the symptoms, risk factors, and how to advocate for the care you deserve. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
