ASPO Abstracts
Few know that radon gas leads to lung cancer in EPA-defined moderate to high radon counties in Utah
Category: Cancer Health Disparities, Early Detection & Risk Prediction
Conference Year: 2018
Abstract Body:
Purpose: Following use of tobacco, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Utah has the lowest rate of tobacco use in the United States, yet lung cancer continues to kill 19.2 per 100,000 Utahns each year. The purpose of this study is to evaluate baseline knowledge regarding the association between radon gas and lung cancer among people living in moderate to high radon counties in Utah. Methods: Participants were recruited at community events in rural regions of Utah with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-defined moderate to high levels of radon gas exposure. Participants (N=59) included anyone over 18 years living in Utah. Participants completed a survey to evaluate knowledge regarding radon gas, perceived likelihood of developing cancer, and general cancer prevention knowledge. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were calculated using SPSS. Results: 84.7% of survey respondents had heard of radon gas at baseline. However, only 42.4% of respondents knew that radon gas was associated with lung cancer, with 47.5% reporting “I don’t know.” Of the total respondents, only 13.6% are current or former smokers. Although 62.7% of respondents knew that there are high levels of radon in Utah, only 6.8% had previously tested their home for radon gas and only 32.2% thought that it was somewhat likely or very likely that their homes had high levels of radon. Additionally, 22% of respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed when asked if radon was a health risk to themselves and their family and 81.4% of respondents did not believe that radon increased someone’s risk for cancer. When asked about mitigation, 78% of respondents knew that it was possible to mitigate in a home with high levels of radon gas. Conclusions: Although a majority of respondents have heard of radon gas, less than half could identify radon gas as a cause of lung cancer and most did not think that radon increased cancer risk. The lack of knowledge regarding this association highlights the importance of providing education to at risk populations in regions with EPA defined moderate to high levels of radon gas. Increasing knowledge and awareness of the health risk associated with radon gas is a priority for improving radon testing and mitigation efforts.
Keywords: Radon, Lung Cancer, Rural