ABSTRACT
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States, and much of the world. African–American men and women are much more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes, and it is thought that this explains the increased risk of lung cancer amongst African–American men and women. The incidence of lung cancer in women is the same as men, thought to be largely due to a change in smoking habits in women. Several studies have shown an increased incidence of lung cancer, or bronchogenic carcinoma, in groups of workers with moderate-to-heavy asbestos exposure and asbestosis. The scientific literature indicates that chronic inflammation and lung scarring from a variety of sources may produce lung cancer without any asbestos exposure. The majority of asbestos-related lung cancers may result from the combined effects of asbestos and carcinogens in tobacco smoke, with the possibility of a synergistic relationship.
