2007 National Conference on Tobacco or Health

Thursday, October 25, 2007
Exhibit Hall

Tobacco Smoke, Radon, and Lung Cancer Incidence in Kentucky

Gwendolyn Hayes, ARNP MSN, University of Kentucky, College of Nursing, gwendolyn.hayes@uky.edu, Heather E. Robertson, MPA, herobe2@uky.edu.

Learning Objectives: Describe the incidence of lung cancer, indoor radon levels, and adult smoking rates by county in Kentucky

Problem/Objective: First and secondhand tobacco smoke and radon are risk factors for lung cancer. Kentucky leads the nation in lung cancer incidence and adult smoking rates, and some counties have predicted average indoor radon screening levels greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter), the action level designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Although radon is a risk for both smokers and nonsmokers, those who have smoked and report radon exposure have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than never smokers and those without radon exposure. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of lung cancer, indoor radon levels, and adult smoking rates by county in Kentucky. Methods: Geographical Information System software was used to overlay the incidence of lung cancer, radon levels, and smoking rates by county. Trends over time will be described. Results: Adult smoking rates ranged from 15.6 to 48.6 percent. Lung cancer incidence ranged from 61.49 to 170.94 per 100,000. Indoor radon levels ranged from below the EPA action level to as high as 808 pCi/L. Associations between lung cancer, smoking rates, and radon levels over time will be presented. Conclusions: The population-level data generated will aid in projecting state lung cancer incidence and mortality as well as future health care expenditures. Data will be used to target high risk areas for public education and screening interventions. Dissemination of findings through media at the regional and community level will be described. Implications for policy and further research will be discussed.