Why does lung cancer affect young women differently from young men? As a medical student with a background in physics, biology, and chemistry, and a passion for understanding disease patterns, I felt drawn to this topic after reviewing some data and making a striking observation: Young women may develop lung cancer at a higher rate than young men do. Because I have always been fascinated by what makes one group more vulnerable than another and by how these disparities shape clinical outcomes, I knew I had found a question worth exploring.
Doctors and the general public have long associated lung cancer with older patients, particularly heavy smokers. Recent trends, however, indicate a shift, with more cases emerging in younger adults, many of whom have never smoked. This observation intrigued me: Had an underlying genetic or biological factor come into play, or did environmental and behavioral influences drive this trend? I approached this research with both curiosity and a sense of urgency, recognizing that understanding these differences could lead to earlier detection and better outcomes for younger patients.
My first step was to dive deeply into the existing literature. I scoured epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and genetic research, searching for clues. I quickly realized that while smoking represents a well-established risk factor, it does not fully explain the gender disparity in younger patients. Compared to men, women, even nonsmokers, seem to be at higher risk of developing certain subtypes of lung cancer. This realization raises more important questions: Can genetic susceptibility cause this disparity? How about hormonal influences? Do environmental exposures like secondhand smoke and air pollution play a more significant role?
One of the most eye-opening aspects of this research involved seeing just how much we still don’t know. Large-scale studies on lung cancer often focus on older populations, leaving younger patients, especially young women, underrepresented. This knowledge gap results in real consequences. If physicians do not expect lung cancer to develop in younger nonsmoking women, they may overlook early warning signs and delay crucial diagnoses and treatments. The more I explored this topic, the more I realized the importance of not just asking the right questions but also of advocating for better research and awareness in underserved patient populations.
As I delved more deeply, I realized that understanding gender disparities in disease requires an interdisciplinary approach. My background in physics trained me to analyze data systematically, but medicine demands an understanding of the interplay of biology, lifestyle, and social factors.
As I have learned to adjust my research approach, I have grown tremendously as a future physician. I have learned to analyze medical data critically, to question assumptions, and to think beyond the textbook definitions of disease. My mentors have guided me in refining my research approach, teaching me how to distinguish between correlation and causation and how to apply my findings to real-world clinical practice. Most importantly, I have deepened my appreciation for the complexities of medicine—how biology, environment, and social factors intertwine to create patterns of disease.
My focus now involves completing my clinical rotations in Los Angeles, including a current rotation on obstetrics and gynecology that has become particularly meaningful in shaping my perspective on gender and health. Too many researchers, as well as clinicians, overlook women’s health. Whether they experience lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, or autoimmune disorders, women frequently present differently from men, yet many doctors still work with medical guidelines based predominantly on men’s data. In my clinical rotation especially Surgery rotation and OBGYN rotation, I encountered with a lot of female patients that they are dealing with different kind of malignancies as well as chronic diseases. In these clinical experiences, I see firsthand the importance of listening to patients, validating their concerns, and ensuring that our team does not dismiss these worries due to outdated biases. All of this work further reinforces my drive to bridge these gaps in medicine.
I have also come to see mentorship as an essential part of growth, both in research and in medicine. I have been fortunate to have mentors who guide me through my journey, and I strive to do the same for others. As a mentor to young women, I help them navigate their academic and professional pathways, offering guidance, support, and encouragement. Empowering others, particularly women pursuing careers in medicine and science, is a passion of mine. I know firsthand the value of having someone believe in you, push you forward, and remind you that your voice and contributions matter.
My ongoing research consists of far more than an academic exercise: It is a call to action. Historically, medicine gets shaped by the perspectives and data available at the time. However, as future physicians and researchers, we must challenge the status quo. We cannot view gender disparities in medicine as just statistics: These gaps represent real lives impacted by delayed diagnoses, missed opportunities, and incomplete understanding.
As a member of AWIS, I am inspired by the organization’s mission to empower women in science and medicine. When we uplift women in medicine, we accomplish far more than achieving equity: We ensure that research, patient care, and medical advancements reflect the needs of all populations. Women bring unique perspectives to health care, not only as patients but also as researchers, physicians, and advocates. By supporting and mentoring one another, we amplify our collective voice and drive change.
Through my continued work in research, clinical practice, and mentorship, I hope to contribute to a future where women’s health becomes a priority, where young women scientists and physicians get support, and where no medical practitioner overlooks a patient because their experience does not fit an outdated model. We must shape the future of medicine by asking the difficult questions, by challenging outdated assumptions, and by advocating for those whose voices have gone unheard. If we stand together and push for progress, we can ensure that the next generation of women in science and medicine not only gains representation but also leads the way forward.
Born in Iran with a dream to become a doctor, Mina Hemmati began her journey by studying physics in her home country. Upon moving to the U.S., she dedicated herself to learning English while attending college, ultimately earning her associate degree from Houston Community College and her bachelor’s at the University of Houston. Her passion for science, combined with a deep commitment to patient care, led her to pursue medicine. Now in her third year of medical school, she has gained hands-on experience across multiple specialties, including general surgery, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, internal medicine, and orthopedics.
Beyond her medical education, Mina has a strong background in teaching, mentoring, and research. She previously authored a mathematics textbook, participated in cancer research at Baylor, participated in ‘Intradialytic Plantar Electrical Stimulation Boosts Gait Performance and Physical Activity in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis,’ a study conducted by Doha and UCLA, and currently serves as a Service Learning Mentor, guiding future medical professionals. Her journey has been shaped by resilience, overcoming personal health challenges while continuing to excel academically. She is particularly passionate about dermatology and aspires to contribute to the field through both clinical practice and research. With a lifelong dedication to empowering women in medicine and beyond, Mina is determined to make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare.
This article was originally published in AWIS Magazine. Join AWIS to access the full issue of AWIS Magazine and more member benefits.