France: worrying increase in the frequency of lung and pancreatic cancers among women

The latest data in cancerology from the National Cancer Institute (INCa) show an alarming increase in cases of lung and pancreatic cancer among French women[1]Tobacco use is the main risk factor for both cancers and this recent increase among women is explained by the fact that they started smoking more recently (1970s and 1980s) than men.  

Cancers are responsible for more than 162,400 deaths in France each year. They are the leading cause of death in men, and the second leading cause of death in women after cardiovascular diseases.

An increasing incidence of cancer cases in France

According to the inventory drawn up by INCa in 2024, the incidence of cancers in France has increased significantly over the last 20 years, with 433,000 new cases per year. The most common locations remain, in men, the prostate (59,885 cases), the lung (33,438 cases) and the colon/rectum (26,212 cases). In women, the most common locations are the breast (61,214 cases), the colon/rectum (21,370 cases) and the lung (19,339 cases). Between 1990 and 2023, the number of new cases of cancer per year has doubled, with an increase of 98 % in men and 104 % in women, all locations combined. The number of cancer deaths was 162,400 in 2021, including 56 % in men (90,900 deaths).

This increase is explained by the growth of the population and the ageing of the French but also by the importance of risks linked to lifestyles (tobacco, alcohol, diet, sedentary lifestyle, pollution, etc.). However, despite the increase in the number of cancers, overall mortality from cancer has decreased (- 2.1 % in humans and - 0.6 % in women) between 2011 and 2021, due to earlier diagnoses and significant therapeutic advances, particularly concerning certain most common cancers.

Incidence of lung and pancreatic cancers among women on the rise due to tobacco use

The increase between 2010 and 2023 in the incidence rate of lung and pancreatic cancers in women is worrying: lung +4.3% per year, pancreas +2.1% per year. Smoking is the primary risk factor for these two cancers. INCa explains this increase by tobacco consumption, which began and increased more recently in women than in men.

INCa reminds us that 8 out of 10 lung cancers are attributable to tobacco. All forms of tobacco are concerned (cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, hookah, with cannabis, etc.). Passive smoking also increases the risk of this cancer.

Smoking is the main known risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Both cancers are among the deadliest cancers and continue to have a very poor prognosis (20% 5-year survival for lung cancer, and 11% for pancreatic cancer).

Nearly half of cancer cases are preventable

INCa estimates that nearly half of cancers could be prevented by avoiding or limiting the impact of external risk factors. Firstly, tobacco consumption is the cause of nearly 20% of all cancer cases, followed by alcohol consumption for 8 % and poor diet for 5.4%.

The leading risk factor for preventable cancers and the leading cause of premature and preventable mortality in the world, tobacco is responsible for 75,000 deaths per year, or 13,100 deaths in France. Quitting smoking has many health benefits, regardless of age or duration of consumption. With more than 30,000 smokers in France, the fight against smoking must remain a public health priority.

The rise in tobacco consumption by women and the associated mortality rate is largely the result of a sophisticated marketing strategy by cigarette companies with a century of targeted advertising campaigns, the use of cinema icons, and the constant design of new products with names, shapes, tastes and colours specially designed for women. Once an attribute of men, the cigarette has thus become an ultra-glamorous fashion accessory, an outward sign of exacerbated and assumed femininity.

Interest in screening

The report states that several large-scale clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of low-dose chest CT scanning for screening lung cancer in smokers and former smokers, leading to a significant reduction in mortality from this cancer. The French National Authority for Health (HAS) considers that there is sufficient evidence to initiate a pilot program for screening lung cancer.

©Generation Without Tobacco

AE