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Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Europe
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Abstract
Introduction. This article presents the picture of mortality from lung cancer among women in the European Union in relation to breast cancer mortality. It also draws attention to tobacco smoking as a main cause of lung cancer and still a significant public health problem.
Material and methods. Data on mortality due to lung cancer and breast cancer among women in Poland and other European Union countries were derived from the WHO mortality statistics for the period 1960–2010. The analysis of time trends in mortality from lung cancer and breast cancer were performed using Joinpoint Regression Program for women aged 45–74 years.
Results. Lung cancer mortality among women has been increasing for many years, and in most countries this is already or will be in the next decade, the leading cause of cancer deaths European women.
Conclusions. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Europe. In majority of countries the mortality time trends are increasing and the main reason for this is a persistent epidemic of tobacco smoking in women. Treatment of tobacco dependence seems to be the most effective way to change these negative trends. Educating women and indicating them to effective ways of smoking cessation should remain a priority of cancer primary prevention and health promotion activities.
Abstract
Introduction. This article presents the picture of mortality from lung cancer among women in the European Union in relation to breast cancer mortality. It also draws attention to tobacco smoking as a main cause of lung cancer and still a significant public health problem.
Material and methods. Data on mortality due to lung cancer and breast cancer among women in Poland and other European Union countries were derived from the WHO mortality statistics for the period 1960–2010. The analysis of time trends in mortality from lung cancer and breast cancer were performed using Joinpoint Regression Program for women aged 45–74 years.
Results. Lung cancer mortality among women has been increasing for many years, and in most countries this is already or will be in the next decade, the leading cause of cancer deaths European women.
Conclusions. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Europe. In majority of countries the mortality time trends are increasing and the main reason for this is a persistent epidemic of tobacco smoking in women. Treatment of tobacco dependence seems to be the most effective way to change these negative trends. Educating women and indicating them to effective ways of smoking cessation should remain a priority of cancer primary prevention and health promotion activities.
About this articleTitle
Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Europe
Journal
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology
Issue
Article type
Research paper (original)
Pages
395-403
Published online
2015-11-18
Page views
1041
Article views/downloads
1824
DOI
10.5603/NJO.2015.0077
Bibliographic record
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2015;65(5):395-403.
Authors
Urszula Sulkowska
Marta Mańczuk
Jakub Łobaszewski
Witold A. Zatoński