Contrary to popular belief, lung cancer, not breast cancer, is the deadliest type of cancer for women. Each year, about 40 percent more females die from lung cancer than from breast cancer in the United States, according to Wolters Kluwer UptoDate. Fortunately, lung cancer survival rates are improving. With cigarette smoking on the decline and greater access and awareness of lung cancer screening, there’s hope that lung cancer will continue to become less lethal for everyone.

All people with lung cancer share many risk factors and treatment options. However, there are some key differences and important facts regarding how lung cancer may affect women versus men.

Chances of Women Getting Lung Cancer

Lung cancer affects 1 in every 17 women worldwide, according to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. In the United States, about 121,000 women are diagnosed with lung cancer per year. Overall, lung adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer and affects females more than males, according to Wolters Kluwer UptoDate. Males are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, which — like lung adenocarcinoma — is a form of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Women’s Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

Tobacco smoke is by far the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. Researchers estimate that 80 percent of females with lung cancer currently or used to smoke, according to Wolters Kluwer UpToDate. However, there are cases of lung cancer in people who’ve never smoked. Higher risk of lung cancer is linked to the following:

• Genetic mutations
• Family history of lung cancer
• Air pollution
• Exposure to toxic chemicals

Among people who don’t smoke, women are more likely than men to get lung cancer. In the United States, 19 percent of females but just 9 percent of males with lung cancer have no history of smoking, according to Wolters Kluwer UpToDate. In addition, females who smoke seem more prone to lung cancer than males who smoke.

There’s also some evidence that receiving hormone therapy for menopause may increase the likelihood of developing or dying from lung cancer. Estrogen plus progestin therapy has been linked to small increases in the risk of lung cancer. However, estrogen therapy alone doesn’t appear to have the same relationship. Although these theories aren’t fully validated by cancer research, some researchers suggest that after menopause, people who have lung cancer should stop hormone therapy as a precaution.

If you think you may be at risk of lung cancer, ask your health care provider about getting screened. Even if you’ve never smoked, you may qualify for screening if you’ve had prolonged exposure to radon, asbestos, or secondhand smoke with a low-dose computed tomography scan. This noninvasive lung cancer screening takes a three-dimensional image of the lungs and is highly effective at catching lung cancer in the earlier stages when it’s easier to treat.

Women’s Lung Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Men and women may experience similar lung cancer symptoms. Some people have several symptoms, while others barely notice any. One member of MyLungCancerTeam mentioned how their night sweats and weight loss were not taken seriously as potential signs of lung cancer by their doctor: “At age 72, I was told I was having hot flashes. Three other doctors after her had no idea why I might have night sweats but wanted a copy of my diet since I’d lost 20 pounds in one month. My lung cancer should have been caught 10 years ago.”

In general, common symptoms of lung cancer include:

• Chest pain
• Blood in phlegm
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Unexplained weight loss

Hoarseness, bone pain, and chronic bronchitis or pneumonia that doesn’t get better with antibiotics are other possible symptoms of lung cancer.

Members of MyLungCancerTeam have described their symptoms in different ways. “I had no symptoms at all,” one member said. “It was my cardiologist who scanned me for my aortic heart valve defection. That caught the lung cancer.”

“I had coughing spells yesterday. They make my back and shoulder hurt. I use a pillow pressed on my stomach and chest to kind of help the pain when I start coughing like crazy,” another member said.

Discussing symptoms with your doctor can help you find ways to manage them and improve your quality of life.

Impact of Lung Cancer Treatment

Men and women undergo similar lung cancer treatment plans. An oncologist will plan the best treatment options based on the cancer stage, cancer type, and the person’s overall health.

Typical treatments for lung cancer include surgery to remove the tumors, radiation therapy to kill cancer cells, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments. Both men and women experience significant side effects from lung cancer treatment that can affect daily life in different ways. Lung cancer treatment can change the way someone looks and feels, which can have an impact on relationships, social life, career, and self-esteem.

Hair Loss

Cancer treatment commonly leads to hair loss. While undergoing treatment, you might choose to wear a wig or hat or shave your head. Although this side effect can be difficult to cope with, one member on MyLungCancerTeam shared words of encouragement: “I lost most of my hair. Now, it’s darker and curlier than when I started this journey. It’s also thicker. It’s amazing 😍. So to everyone who worries about losing your hair, do not fret,” they said. “In the meantime, your hospital will give you a wig, hats, scarves, etc. Just stay positive, believe and pray, and stay strong during your weakest moments.”

Fatigue and Weakness

Fatigue and muscle weakness are also typical with cancer treatment. Caregivers for children, grandchildren, aging parents, or partners may suddenly find themselves needing more help from others.

Effects on Work and Relationships

Lung cancer can make it harder to continue working and may change how you feel about certain friends or family members. Taking early retirement or long breaks from work can cause disruptions in personal finances and social connections. If someone is unsupportive in response to your cancer diagnosis, you may feel isolated or depressed. It’s essential to find support and resources to help manage the ups and downs of life with lung cancer.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLungCancerTeam is the social network for people with lung cancer and their loved ones. On MyLungCancerTeam, more than 12,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lung cancer.

Have you received a lung cancer diagnosis? If so, how do the symptoms of lung cancer affect your daily life? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.