Lung Cancer in Women

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer occurs when healthy lung cells become mutated and divide at out-of-control rates, forming tumors that spread through the body.

Every year, thousands of women in the U.S. develop lung cancer due to exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos causes long-term harm to the lungs, leading to the development of lung cancer, typically decades after first exposure.

Women didn’t realize that asbestos-containing materials, everything from construction products to baby powder, could contribute to lung cancer. Companies could have protected women and families from an asbestos-related lung cancer diagnosis, but instead hid the truth, lining their pockets in the process.

Key Facts About Lung Cancer in Women

• Lung cancer cases are rising among younger women who never smoked, according to the Union for International Cancer Control.
• Approximately 118,500 women are projected to be newly diagnosed with lung cancer in 2026, per the American Cancer Society (ACS).
• Roughly 61,950 women will pass away as a result of lung cancer in 2026 alone.
• Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer among women, but long-term survival may be possible thanks to treatment. Some women have lived for over 30 years with lung cancer.
• About 1 in 16 women will develop lung cancer at some point in their life, whether they smoked or not.

You never deserved to get sick with lung cancer from asbestos. You have every right to feel upset, angry, or scared.

A diagnosis of lung cancer can be overwhelming and isolating, but we’re here to listen to what happened, offer support, and guide you on your options. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll be right beside you.

Causes of Lung Cancer in Women

Women could develop lung cancer if they smoked or were exposed to other toxic materials like asbestos, radon, and more.

Here’s what to know about lung cancer causes in women:

• Smoking: This causes up to 90% of all lung cancer cases among women.
• Secondhand smoke: Women make up 64% of all lung cancer fatalities caused by secondhand smoke.
• Air pollution: Exposure increases the risk of developing and dying from lung cancer.
• Asbestos: This fiber-like material can contribute to a diagnosis.
• Diesel exhaust: This toxin often puts industrial workers at risk of lung cancer.
• Radon: A colorless and odorless gas that can pollute homes, it’s been linked to lung cancer.

As women are exposed to these toxic materials, their lungs can suffer long-term damage that eventually causes healthy cells to become cancerous.

Other risk factors could put women at risk of developing lung cancer later in life. These include living with someone who worked with asbestos, a family history of lung cancer, hormones, and genetic mutations.

Lung Cancer From Asbestos in Women

While smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, many cases are also caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. In fact, asbestos is responsible for nearly 40,000 lung cancer deaths each year, per the International Commission of Occupational Health (ICOH).

Women could develop asbestos-related lung cancer through:

• Secondhand exposure: This occurred when partners or fathers came home from a worksite with asbestos dust stuck to their bodies and clothing. Women hugging them or doing the laundry could have faced daily exposure.
• Talcum powder: Asbestos is found in rock deposits close to talc, which was made into baby powder. Asbestos fibers contaminated talcum powder products for decades, putting women in danger.
• Other exposures: Consumer products like makeup, home renovations, and more could have exposed women to asbestos fibers.

Women could go on to develop lung cancer 10-50 years after suffering exposure, since the cancer takes decades to form.

In the initial shock of a diagnosis, women may not consider that their lung cancer may have been caused by asbestos. But, it’s important not to blame yourself — you likely didn’t know the dangers until it was too late.

Types of Lung Cancer in Women

Women across the country are at risk of all types of lung cancer, and any type can develop after exposure to asbestos fibers that occurred decades ago.

The most common types are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Learn how each type impacts women below.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. Roughly 80% to 85% of all lung cancers are NSCLC, per the ACS.

Women are more likely to develop NSCLC than men, per the cancer center City of Hope. NSCLC is typically less aggressive and easier to treat when compared to SCLC.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of NSCLC that affects women, and has less of a link to tobacco smoke. Another subtype called squamous cell carcinoma is more common among men, but still could impact women.

“Women, particularly those who are younger and do not use tobacco, are more likely to be diagnosed with adenocarcinoma-type non-small cell lung cancer.”
– LUNGevity Foundation

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

Small cell lung cancer is less common but aggressive, making up 10% to 15% of all diagnoses, per the Columbia University Department of Surgery. This type is typically more aggressive and harder to treat than NSCLC, with surgery rarely being used.

Generally, the rates of SCLC overall have fallen, but have actually increased among women, according to Cancer Therapy Advisor. And, women are more likely to be diagnosed with SCLC than men, per JTO Clinical Research and Reports.

It’s also more common for patients overall to be diagnosed with advanced SCLC, which is linked to worse health outcomes.

No matter which type of lung cancer you’re facing, we’re here to support women like you. Call (888) 567-2854 now — we’ll listen to what happened and assess how we can best assist you.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

At first, women could experience very mild or vague symptoms that worsen over time as lung cancer spreads through their bodies. Some women don’t actually have any symptoms at all when lung tumors first form.

Symptoms of lung cancer do not typically vary significantly between men and women, nor whether asbestos was the cause.

Key asbestos lung cancer symptoms to watch for include:

• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss

However, these symptoms overlap with many other diseases, so lung cancer could be mistaken for everything from respiratory illnesses, to asthma, to allergies at first.

But, you know your body better than anyone else. If you’re worried that your symptoms could be those of lung cancer, especially if there’s a history of smoking or asbestos exposure in your family, keep digging and fighting for more testing.

A specific test known as lung cancer screening is often recommended for those with a high risk of lung cancer. This allows doctors to look inside the body for signs of cancer even before symptoms start. Screening is recommended for women aged 55-79 who may be at risk, as they account for roughly 70% of all diagnoses, according to The Journal of Women’s Health.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer in Women

Lung cancer doctors use a couple of different steps to diagnose lung cancer in both men and women.

The process typically starts with a basic review of symptoms and health history, including any notable exposure to asbestos. If lung cancer is suspected, doctors recommend imaging scans and a biopsy (in which a tissue or fluid sample is taken out and reviewed for lung cancer cells).

Here’s what to know about how lung cancer is diagnosed among women:

• Your diagnosis can only be confirmed via a biopsy review.
• Nearly half of women (47%) are diagnosed aged 70 or older.
• Nonsmoking women are more commonly diagnosed than nonsmoking men.

A lung cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event for any woman, but it’s important to know that help is available. After your diagnosis is confirmed, you’ll be able to start treatments that can hopefully allow you to live longer, feel better, and make more memories with the ones you love.

Lung Cancer Misdiagnoses and Second Opinions

Women may sometimes feel dismissed or unheard by doctors, especially after an unexpected lung cancer diagnosis.

Always remember that you have a right to ask questions and demand answers, particularly if you’re worried that asbestos may have caused your cancer, or that you may have been misdiagnosed with a less serious ailment.

Lung cancer misdiagnoses among women could include:

• Bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Other cancers like mesothelioma

You can always ask for a second opinion from another specialist about your lung cancer diagnosis. This can help give you more clarity as to what to expect moving forward. You’re fully within your rights to seek help from other doctors, especially when facing something as serious as lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Stages

Cancer specialists typically assign a lung cancer diagnosis into different stages, depending on where the tumors have spread through the body. Knowing your specific stage is helpful for setting expectations regarding cancer care plans and more.

Stages of lung cancer are:

• Stage 0: Cancer cells are found on the outer layer of lung tissue and are very easily treated. But, it’s rare for men or women to be diagnosed at this stage.
• Stage 1: A small tumor is found in the lung, but options like surgery and more can remove it.
• Stage 2: Doctors may find lung cancer in the chest wall, airways, or nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 3: Lung cancer tumors have spread through the chest, including into the mediastinum, diaphragm, windpipe, and lymph nodes. Many patients start to experience symptoms in this stage.
• Stage 4: Metastasis has occurred at this stage, meaning the cancer has reached different parts of the body like the bones, brain, or other organs. This is the hardest stage to treat.

Roughly 50% of women are diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer. Still, long-term survival is possible. For example, Tabitha has lived for over a decade after her stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis thanks to treatment.

“I feel really lucky. Now I don’t sweat the small stuff and truly enjoy every moment. I focus on compassion and forgiveness.”
– Tabitha, stage 4 lung cancer survivor

Lung Cancer Treatment Options

Women facing lung cancer can work with specialists to get a treatment plan that fits their specific diagnosis, accounting for factors like type, stage, and general health.
Treatment decisions are deeply personal and could change throughout a woman’s journey with lung cancer.

Women can receive multiple lung cancer treatments as part of a multimodal plan with the goal of destroying the cancer and improving survival. In advanced cases, treatment goals may shift to preserving quality of life for as long as possible.

Common asbestos lung cancer treatments for women include:

• Surgery removes lung tumors from the body. Women who receive surgery for specific types of lung cancer, such as NSCLC, could potentially live longer compared to men who getsurgery.
• Chemotherapy targets cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is often more effective for women with lung cancer than men, per City of Hope.
• Radiation therapy shrinks tumors and relieves symptoms. It’s typically combined with other treatments for best results.
• Immunotherapy helps the immune system attack cancer. In a recent Thoracic Cancer study, immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy allowed women with late-stage SCLC to live longer.
• Targeted therapy targets specific mutations linked to lung cancer. One such targeted option is looking to treat squamous cell carcinoma in women by lowering overall estrogen levels.
• Clinical trials safely offer access to emerging lung cancer treatments that are currently being studied. Women can ask their lung cancer specialists about potentially joining a trial.
• Palliative care focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. This type of care recognizes that treating cancer is not only about fighting disease, but also about supporting the whole person. It can be given at any point in a woman’s lung cancer battle.

While asbestos-related lung cancer treatment can feel intimidating, many women find reassurance in working with a dedicated oncology team that listens, explains options clearly, and respects what matters most to them.

However, treatment for lung cancer can be costly, even for the most well-off families. And getting treated for lung cancer can be emotionally and physically taxing. Lean on us — we’re ready to walk with you and offer support.

Prognosis for Women With Lung Cancer

When women are diagnosed with lung cancer, doctors will provide what is known as a prognosis. This is the medically expected course of the disease and is based on the type of lung cancer, stage, potential treatments, overall health, and more.

Generally speaking, women have a better lung cancer prognosis compared to men, per City of Hope. The asbestos lung cancer prognosis is the same as in cases where no asbestos exposure occurred.

Your lung cancer prognosis is measured with figures like:

• Survival rate, the percentage of patients living after a set length of time. The overall 5-year survival rate of women diagnosed with lung cancer is 22%, according to The Journal of Women’s Health.
• Life expectancy, which is the average length of time you’re expected to live. When treated with lung cancer surgery at an early-stage, women lived for nearly 64 months while men lived for roughly 32 months on average, per Gender Medicine.

After getting a prognosis, you might feel worried or scared, and that’s entirely normal. But, it’s crucial to remember that a prognosis is just an estimate — and could change over time.

In fact, many women with late-stage lung cancer have lived much longer than expected, particularly when their cancer responded well to treatment. Lung cancer specialists will closely monitor how your cancer reacts to treatments, so you can get the best care possible.

Testing like lung cancer screenings have also been shown to improve prognosis in some cases. For example, the 5-year survival rate of women diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer after a screening was 70%, compared to 50% in men, per the journal Lung Cancer.

Women Who’ve Survived Lung Cancer

A lung cancer diagnosis does not eliminate hope. While lung cancer is serious, many women live for years and even decades after being diagnosed.

Survivorship looks different for everyone. Some women focus on stability and symptom control, while others respond well to treatment and experience extended survival.

Women who’ve survived lung cancer include:

• Anita, who lived for nearly 7 years with stage 4 NSLC thanks to an immunotherapy clinical trial
• Annabelle, whose stage 4 lung cancer was initially mistaken for COVID
• Jill, who has survived for nearly 20 years with lung cancer, enduring multiple treatments
• Tabitha, who is cancer-free after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer over a decade ago

“No one is exempt from the hell at the beginning, but it isn’t about what happens, but how you move forward. You just cannot allow cancer to run the show.”
– Jill, lung cancer survivor

Advances in lung cancer research continue to improve survival rates and treatment options, offering renewed hope for time, comfort, and meaningful moments with loved ones.

Financial Support for Women With Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer

A lung cancer diagnosis can place enormous strain on a woman and her family. Medical bills, lost income, and the emotional weight of serious illness often arrive all at once.

While it can’t bring back your health, lung cancer compensation may be available to help women like you cover health care costs and get accountability from the companies responsible.

Lung cancer compensation is available through:

• Asbestos lung cancer lawsuits: Filed against companies that manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products, families have sometimes received $1 million or more through them.
• Asbestos trust fund claims: Filing a claim with trusts can allow women to access some of the more than $30 billion set aside for those impacted by asbestos diseases — without filing a lawsuit.
• Wrongful death lawsuits: If a woman tragically passes away from asbestos lung cancer, their families may be able to pursue financial payouts for funeral costs and more through wrongful death claims.

Women may be wary of filing claims, especially while navigating lung cancer treatments. But, it’s important to consider these options as they may significantly relieve health care costs and help keep your family financially stable.

Experienced asbestos lung cancer attorneys can handle all of the legal steps for you, making it much less stressful.

We’re here to review your options after a lung cancer diagnosis. Get a free, no-pressure case review now to find out your eligibility. Our women-led patient advocacy team is standing by to assist you.

Help for Women Facing Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer

Living with asbestos-related lung cancer often means adjusting suddenly to a new reality. Your life as a grandmother, mother, wife, or worker must shift, with cancer taking top priority.

We get how frustrating and scary lung cancer can be, especially when cases could have been prevented had asbestos never entered the picture.

Here’s what you need to know about lung cancer:

• A diagnosis wasn’t your fault. Ever.
• It’s possible to live a long time — even in stage 4.
• Support from loved ones, friends, and your community goes a long way.
• Expert doctors are available around the country to help you.

We’re here to support you and your family, too. Call (888) 567-2854 now or get a free case review to share your story. We’ll listen with compassion and help guide you on potential next steps.