World Lung Cancer Day highlights rising female cases and high mortality in South Tyrol

August 1 marks World Lung Cancer Day. The Austrian Society for Pneumology warned that the traditional view of lung cancer as a disease of older male smokers is outdated. Incidence is falling among men while it has risen steadily in women since the late 1990s, and female patients often present different tumour biology, such as higher rates of EGFR mutations. Risk factors for women include active and passive smoking, air pollution, indoor biomass fuel use and cooking‑oil fumes. The society stressed the need for gender‑specific diagnostics and therapy.

In Italy’s South Tyrol region, lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death. According to the regional cancer registry, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and third in women, but the leading cause of cancer‑related mortality for men and the second for women. Dr. Guido Mazzoleni of the South Tyrol Cancer Aid said, "Lungenkrebs zählt nach wie vor zu den heimtückischsten Krebserkrankungen." The region emphasizes smoking cessation programmes and broader lifestyle prevention measures.

Both organisations used the day to call for stronger public awareness, gender‑focused research and preventive action.