Determining Association between Lung Cancer Mortality Worldwide and Risk Factors Using Fuzzy Inference Modeling and
Xiu Wu1, Blanchard-Boehm Denise1, F Benjamin Zhan1
1Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|November 11, 2022
Summary
Beyond smoking, other factors like low physical activity, poor nutrition, and air pollution significantly increase lung cancer mortality risk. Identifying these modifiable factors is crucial for global health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally.
- Smoking is a known risk factor, but other modifiable factors influencing susceptibility require investigation.
- Understanding geographical variations in risk factors is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between lung cancer mortality (LCM) and various risk factors.
- To identify additional modifiable risk factors beyond smoking that contribute to lung cancer susceptibility.
- To analyze these associations across different geographical zones.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Fuzzy Inference Modeling (FIM) and Random Forest Modeling (RFM) for data analysis.
- Analyzed data from 100 countries between 2006 and 2016.
- Investigated the links between LCM and 30 distinct risk factors.
Main Results:
- Identified several potential risk factors associated with LCM, including low physical activity, child wasting, low birth weight, iron deficiency, and diets low in nuts/seeds or high in sodium.
- Vitamin A deficiency, low bone mineral density, and air pollution also emerged as significant risk factors.
- Confirmed the association of smoking as a primary risk factor.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights multiple modifiable risk factors contributing to lung cancer mortality.
- FIM and RFM are effective approaches for multi-factor analysis in cancer research.
- Findings can inform public health policies and interventions to reduce lung cancer burden globally.
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