A new study conducted by Epic Research, a health data group based in Delaware, has revealed that women who have undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer face a higher risk of developing lung cancer. The study found that these women have a 57% higher risk compared to those who received radiation therapy. In comparison to patients who underwent endocrine therapy, those who received chemotherapy had a staggering 171% increase in lung cancer risk.

The research team at Epic Research emphasized that primary lung cancer is more than twice as prevalent in women previously diagnosed with breast cancer, compared to those without a history of the disease. Furthermore, they highlighted that patients who had breast cancer and received chemotherapy had the greatest risk of subsequent primary lung cancer. This suggests that breast cancer patients, especially those treated with chemotherapy, have an increased risk of developing second primary lung cancer.

The study examined more than two million women between the ages of 50 and 84 who underwent a screening mammogram between 2010 and 2023. Patients with an elevated breast cancer risk due to a prior breast or lung cancer diagnosis, recent screening within the past three months, and those who began mammogram screenings before the age of 50 were excluded from the study.

The researchers acknowledged that the exclusions may limit the generalizability of their findings. However, they strongly encouraged women with a history of breast cancer, particularly those who underwent chemotherapy, to be vigilant in monitoring for the development of primary lung cancer.

While the study revealed a correlation between breast cancer, its treatments, and subsequent primary lung cancer, the researchers emphasized that not every woman who has had breast cancer will develop lung cancer. They cautioned against assuming a causal relationship and stressed the importance of individual risk evaluation and monitoring.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a medical contributor to Fox News, explained that having one type of cancer can increase the genetic risk for developing other cancers. This increased risk could be linked to shared cancer genes, the potential for mutations, or environmental factors and carcinogens.

The study's findings are particularly significant as conventional imaging techniques often miss a large majority of patients with pulmonary nodules, a potential early indicator of lung cancer. Additionally, less than half of the detected patients receive follow-up care as recommended by guidelines.

As the medical community gains a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between different cancer types, further research is needed to provide comprehensive insights into how breast cancer treatments may influence the development of lung cancer. In the meantime, it is crucial for women with a history of breast cancer, especially those who underwent chemotherapy, to remain vigilant and work closely with their healthcare providers for regular monitoring and early detection of any potential health concerns.

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