American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What is the leading cause of cancer death in women?

1. Breast cancer

2. Lung cancer

3. Colon cancer

4. Pancreatic cancer

The correct answer is: Lung cancer

Lung cancer is recognized as the leading cause of cancer death in women. This is largely due to several factors, including the historically high rates of smoking among women, which have increased the incidence of lung cancer. Although breast cancer is more commonly diagnosed, lung cancer has a higher mortality rate, primarily because it is often diagnosed at a later stage when treatment options are more limited and less effective. Over the years, public health initiatives have significantly reduced smoking rates, which could change the cancer death landscape in the future. However, as of the latest data, lung cancer remains a major concern, representing a significant percentage of cancer fatalities among women. Other factors contributing to the high mortality rate of lung cancer include the aggressive behavior of this cancer type and the challenges associated with early detection. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of ongoing screening and awareness efforts to help reduce lung cancer deaths.