The burden of lung cancer in Kentucky

Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in Kentucky greatly surpass those of other states and the nation as a whole. Not only is this one of the most common cancers, with 3800 newly diagnosed cases per year in the Commonwealth, it is also one of the most fatal. And, unlike many other types of cancer, it is highly preventable, as about 90% are caused by cigarette smoking. In this paper we present lung cancer rates across different groups and trends of the disease over time. We also discuss comparative statistics related to stage at which lung and other major cancers are diagnosed and their survival patterns. Smoking data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System are presented and compared across different states in relation to lung cancer occurrence. Finally, both lung cancer and smoking trends within Kentucky are compared, showing how both are substantially higher in the Appalachian region of the state.