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What's the leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States? The answer might surprise you, because it is lung cancer, not breast cancer. According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer accounts for almost twice as many deaths as breast cancer. And while smokers are more likely to develop the disease, one in every five people with lung cancer has never touched a cigarette.

Blount Memorial thoracic services coordinator Michelle McPherson says there are a couple of key reasons why lung cancer doesn't receive wide media attention. "Lung cancer doesn't have a powerful advocacy group like breast cancer. In addition, lung cancer research is unfunded because the survival rate is typically short, and people who get lung cancer are often times blamed for it being their own fault."

McPherson encourages all women -- both smokers and non-smokers -- to learn about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms and screenings. "From 1990 to 2003, the number of new lung cancer cases in women in the United States increased by 60 percent, while the number of new lung cancers in men remained the same," she says. "The incidence of lung cancer is greater in men than in women, but women are catching up. We need to promote awareness of the disease to help women take steps to protect themselves."

Lung cancer in women is a biologically different disease than lung cancer in men, which may be one reason why non-smoking women can develop the disease. McPherson explains that these genetic or biological differences include genes that cause women to be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke; differences in how the chemicals in tobacco are broken down by the body; changes to genes that control cell growth, which may result in the development of cancer; and hormones, such as estrogen, which could directly or indirectly affect cancer growth.

These biological differences make it even more important for women to do everything they can to reduce their risk for lung cancer, McPherson adds. "The best thing to do is avoid tobacco. If you smoke, quit. In addition, ask people in your home not to smoke in your house or car, and stay away from smoky restaurants, bars and other establishments that allow smoking. It's also important to have your home tested for radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas found in soil that can cause lung cancer."

McPherson also suggests that all women, especially those who have ever smoked, eat five to nine servings a day of fruits and vegetables. "Include plenty of yellow or orange plant foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots or sweet potatoes. Beta-carotene may reduce lung cancer risk."

McPherson explains that thoracic surgeons who practice at Blount Memorial Hospital perform thoracic surgical procedures to diagnose, biopsy, stage or treat lung cancer and other benign or cancerous processes located in the chest. For a thoracic surgeon referral, call the Blount Memorial Healthline at 981-3983. For more information about lung cancer, visit www.lungusa.org.

The Women's Health column is provided by the staff and associates of Blount Memorial Hospital. It appears every Sunday in Women's Times. For more information on this column call 983-7211.