Lung cancer: the overlooked womens' health priority

Lung cancer is a serious women's health issue. The disparity between male and female deaths from lung cancer is narrowing, and the number of women with the disease is increasing. Although health of women is substantially affected by tobacco use, many books on women's health and related programs do not provide information about lung cancer and smoking. Historical definitions of women's health have limited the awareness of the risks of smoking and lung cancer as priority concerns for women. The exclusion of smoking and lung cancer in the current literature on women's health is reviewed. A 10-year review of nursing research in lung cancer prevention and care emphasizes the paucity of work on smoking prevention and cessation. Cancer prevention and detection remain high priorities in nursing care organizations; however, tobacco control policies are almost nonexistent. The healthcare professional's role in tobacco control and health policy, with special attention to the effect on women, is critical.