Study Offers Hope for Women with Lung Cancer
A new study is exploring why some treatments don’t work as well for women with squamous cell lung cancer, a common type of non-small cell lung cancer often linked to smoking. This form of lung cancer hasn’t responded well to the newer targeted therapies that help other types of lung cancer. But researcher Dr. Milica Momcilovic is working to change that by studying how hormones like estrogen may affect treatment outcomes in women.
Her early research in lab and animal models shows that a drug called TAK228, which blocks cancer growth signals, works better in male mice than females—possibly because estrogen interferes. When combined with an anti-estrogen drug (similar to what’s used in breast cancer), female tumors responded better. This could eventually lead to more personalized treatments for women with lung cancer, helping doctors choose the right therapies and improving survival and quality of life. (Source: American Lung Association)
Lung Cancer in Women and Non-Smokers: What to Know
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 Yet outdated stereotypes still delay diagnosis: younger, nonsmoking women are often misdiagnosed with asthma or bronchitis, losing precious time before receiving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)
