If you think breast cancer is the malignancy killing the greatest number of women, think again. That nefarious distinction goes to lung cancer. It’s true that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, beating lung cancer into second place. But lung cancer takes the lives of 16,000 women in the UK each year, compared with 11,643 deaths due to breast cancer.

While lung cancer is often thought of as a disease largely affecting men, 44% of cases are in women. There’s also a loudly ticking time bomb, as according to the British Journal of Cancer there will be more than twice as many women with lung cancer than men by 2040.

Unsurprisingly, the spectre of smoking is never far away. The increase in the number of women developing lung cancer is thought to be due to the delayed effects of widespread smoking in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1974, for example, a startling 41% of women smoked, compared with 19% in 2011.

We are highly aware of these challenges here at Hanson Zandi, as our very own Bex Gittins is running in the London Marathon to raise funds for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Bex’s decision was partly based on personal experience, as her mother-in-law, Linda, sadly died from lung cancer at the age of 54. The disease also took one of her best friend’s mothers at a very young age, leaving a gaping hole in the lives of all who loved her.

Bex’s training for the marathon involves an arduous 16-week programme, with 4 runs each week. This and her fundraising for the run are going well, with over £4000 raised in a hugely successful quiz attended by Roy Castle’s widow, Fiona. This year’s London Marathon is on Sunday 23rd April, so there’s still time to pledge your support. Simply visit www.justgiving.com and search for ‘Rebecca Gittins’ to sponsor her, or follow this link https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rebecca-Gittins1. We’re all behind you Bex!

Sources

www.ons.gov.uk

www.roycastle.org

Bex in training for the London Marathon!