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Understanding geographic variations of indoor radon potential for comprehensive cancer control planning

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Abstract

Purpose

Lung cancer is the leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths and radon is the second leading risk factor for lung cancer. By better understanding geologic variations of radon production in states, comprehensive cancer control efforts could be improved. The study purpose was to assess states with the greatest potential for elevated radon and the likelihood of radon-related actions in National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) awardee cancer plans.

Methods

Two state-level variables were derived to approximate potential for elevated radon using the Environmental Protection Agency county map and the 2015 U.S. Census. The association between radon potential and inclusion of radon activity within cancer plans was evaluated using logistic regression.

Results

Fifty-one percent of cancer plans recognized an association between radon and cancer risk, and included measurable radon activities. Most states with high radon potential included radon activity in cancer plans. Both measures of radon potential were significantly associated with NCCCP cancer plans including radon activity.

Conclusions

Geospatial analyses help to prioritize radon-related lung cancer activities. In areas with high potential for radon exposure, increasing knowledge about potential for radon exposure may result in increased radon testing, mitigation, or other radon reducing strategies, and ultimately reduction of lung cancer deaths.

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Acknowledgments

All authors were involved in conceptualizing, executing, developing, and reviewing this manuscript. The contents of this article have not been previously presented elsewhere.

Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Funding

This study was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, MS F76, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA

    Michael Shayne Gallaway & Mary C. Puckett

  2. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program (GRASP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Andrew S. Berens & Stephanie Foster

Authors
  1. Michael Shayne Gallaway
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  2. Andrew S. Berens
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  3. Mary C. Puckett
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  4. Stephanie Foster
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Shayne Gallaway.

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Gallaway, M.S., Berens, A.S., Puckett, M.C. et al. Understanding geographic variations of indoor radon potential for comprehensive cancer control planning. Cancer Causes Control 30, 707–712 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-019-01162-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-019-01162-6

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