WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-EP.01.30 Beyond Smoking: Exploring Risk Factors for Lung Cancer in Women

Pdf Summary

This study investigates lung cancer risk factors among U.S. females beyond smoking by analyzing data from the All of Us Research Program. Despite smoking being a primary risk factor, it does not fully explain the lung cancer incidence in women, who experience slower declines in rates compared to men. The researchers conducted a matched case-control study with 2,750 female lung cancer cases and an equal number of controls, examining sociodemographic data, reproductive history, metabolic disorders, and family cancer history.<br /><br />Key findings include a complex relationship between body weight and lung cancer risk: normal and underweight women had higher lung cancer prevalence, while obesity appeared protective. Socioeconomic disparities were evident, with increased lung cancer cases in both the least and most deprived neighborhood quartiles. Most cases were non-Hispanic White, and fewer had college education compared to controls. Smoking prevalence among cases was 16%. Common comorbidities included hyperlipidemia and hypothyroidism. The majority of female cases were postmenopausal, with some reporting postmenopausal bleeding.<br /><br />Adjusted analyses revealed that overweight status decreased lung cancer risk, while the least deprived socioeconomic group had higher risk. Smoking, postmenopausal status, and postmenopausal bleeding significantly increased lung cancer risk. Hyperlipidemia and hypothyroidism were also positively associated. Interaction effects showed that postmenopausal smokers had markedly elevated risk, and combining postmenopausal bleeding with a family history of breast cancer further increased odds. Interestingly, family histories of ovarian cancer and breast cancer alone appeared protective.<br /><br />The study underscores the importance of considering female-specific factors and broader sociodemographic, reproductive, metabolic, and familial influences in lung cancer risk. It calls for personalized prevention strategies and further prospective research to confirm findings and clarify mechanisms across diverse female populations.

Asset Subtitle

Muhammad Islam

Meta Tag

Speaker Muhammad Islam

Topic Risk Factors, Risk Reduction & Tobacco Control

Keywords

lung cancer

female risk factors

All of Us Research Program

body weight and cancer risk

socioeconomic disparities

postmenopausal status

smoking and lung cancer

hyperlipidemia

hypothyroidism

family cancer history