Why men are more at risk for lung cancer

November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to shed light on the world’s leading cause of cancer death and explore why men are particularly vulnerable to this deadly disease.

Although smoking rates have generally declined, lung cancer remains a significant health risk for men, owing to a combination of historical smoking patterns, occupational exposures, and genetic factors. In understanding these unique risks, we gain insights into how to better protect men and advocate for increased awareness, prevention, and early detection.

Lung cancer is responsible for nearly 85 per cent of cancer-related deaths caused by smoking, with men disproportionately affected because of higher historical smoking rates. According to research from the American Cancer Society, the association between lung cancer and smoking is one of the strongest links in oncology (American Cancer Society, 2024).

Decades ago, smoking was heavily marketed to men as a symbol of masculinity, leading to elevated smoking rates among males and leaving a legacy of health consequences that persist today. Even as many men have quit, the cumulative exposure to tobacco has left a long-lasting impact, placing them at a higher risk for lung cancer, compared to women.

In addition to smoking, occupational exposures play a significant role in the increased rates of lung cancer among men. Men are more likely to work in industries with high levels of lung carcinogens, such as asbestos, radon, and industrial chemicals – substances that are prevalent in fields like construction, mining, and manufacturing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that these occupational hazards increase lung cancer risk significantly over time, particularly for workers exposed to these harmful substances for extended periods (WHO, 2024).

Unlike lifestyle-related risks that can be modified, occupational risks can be harder to avoid, making it essential for workers in high-risk industries to understand and mitigate their exposure whenever possible.

Emerging research has also identified genetic factors that might make men more vulnerable to lung cancer. Studies suggest that differences in cellular repair and immune responses between men and women may impact how each gender responds to lung carcinogens.

The National Cancer Institute has highlighted these potential genetic variations, which, combined with other risk factors, may help explain the higher incidence of lung cancer in men (National Cancer Institute, 2024). Though more research is needed in this area, these findings point toward genetic predispositions that, when combined with external exposures, create a greater lung cancer burden among men.

One of the major challenges in combating lung cancer is the fact that symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.

Common symptoms, such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss, are frequently mistaken for less serious conditions. This makes early diagnosis crucial, especially for those at high risk.

The American Lung Association recommends annual low-dose CT scans for individuals over 50 with a history of smoking or exposure to occupational hazards, noting that such screenings can significantly improve survival rates by catching the disease early (American Lung Association, 2024).

ADDRESSING MISCONCEPTIONS

While smoking is the primary driver of lung cancer cases, it’s important to recognise that up to 20 per cent of cases occur in non-smokers. Yet, lung cancer has not always received the advocacy support that other cancers, such as breast cancer, have garnered.

The Global Lung Cancer Coalition explains that stigma surrounding smoking and lung cancer has often led to misconceptions and limited support for patients, even though many individuals diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked (Global Lung Cancer Coalition, 2024).

Addressing these misconceptions and advocating for greater awareness can not only improve support for patients but also drive funding for research into early detection and improved treatment options.

In observing Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded that lung cancer is an issue that impacts men disproportionately but also affects families and communities at large.

Public health campaigns focused on prevention, workplace safety education, and the importance of regular screenings, can play a significant role in reducing lung cancer’s impact. By fostering awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting those affected, we can take significant steps toward reducing lung cancer incidence and mortality.

Leroy Fearon is the acting dean, Faculty of Education, The Mico University College, and author and researcher. Email feedback to: leroyfearon85@gmail.com and editorial@gleanerjm.com