More Shanghai women hit by lung cancer

Beijing, April 1 (IANS) Lung cancer is affecting more women than men in the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai, a media report said.

The number of women with lung cancer rose 38.4 percent over the past five years while the growth rate for men was 16.9 percent, the Shanghai Daily reported.

However, men were still far more likely to get the deadly disease.

The incidence of lung cancer among men was 88 per 100,000 people and 30 among women.

An expert said the rise in female cases has resulted due to many young women taking up smoking.

"Smoking-control education usually focuses on men, ignoring the female. Many women think female cigarettes are low tar and less harmful. The concept is wrong," said Lu Shun, a doctor at the Shanghai Chest Hospital.