It’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month!! As a lung cancer survivor, I sometimes wonder how our wonderful state fares in lung cancer compared to the rest of the country. So, here’s a brief rundown!!
Kentucky has the highest rate of new lung cancer cases each year. According to the American Lung Association, the Kentucky average rate of new lung cancer cases is 89.4, which is higher than the national average. Kentucky is also in the bottom tier for lung cancer survival rates. While smoking remains a large factor in these cases, there are other variables in our state that lend to this number. Many people are aware of the dangers of smoking and asbestos exposure. But researchers are finding other environmental causes of lung cancer.
Studies have found radon, a colorless and odorless gas, can cause lung cancer. Some geographical areas have higher radon levels than others, but any building can be at risk for elevated levels. Testing can reveal interior levels at or above the U.S. EPA action level. In Kentucky, 39.6% of buildings tested were at or above the action levels.
Air pollution is also a researched cause of lung cancer. Factors from transportation, electricity, buildings and industrial sectors have increased the air pollution. Boone County received a score of D for high ozone days. Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant due to its effects on people and the environment. It is the main ingredient in “smog.” Studies also show elevated levels of arsenic and chromium in Appalachian Kentucky, both known lung cancer carcinogens.
But there is promising news too! Kentucky has signed two bills, HB 219 and HB 180, concerning lung cancer. House Bill 219, signed in 2022, established the states lung cancer screening program. The state has made great efforts in early detection initiatives that are helping to catch lung cancer at earlier stages. Individuals with a history of smoking can be sent for low dose CT scans. These screenings have led to early detection in finding lower staged cancers. Lung cancer found at stage 1 has a significantly higher 5 year survival rate (up to 90%) than those found in stage 4 (as low as 6%). Kentucky is rated as the second highest state for performing these evaluations. In NKY, St. Elizabeth began these screenings in 2013 and have recently reached 50,000 CT scans. Over 500 stage 1 lung cancers have been found. Cancers that may not have been found until late stages!
Some lung cancers are caused by changes in the DNA, which can only be determined through specialized biopsies. House Bill 180 was signed in 2023, supporting precision cancer treatments, which includes target therapies and immunotherapies. Kentucky was one of 15 states that required insurance to cover comprehensive biomarker testing, as of September 2024. So while our case numbers are not great, many efforts are being made for change!!
