Rural, low-income residents of Maine are at greater risk for lung cancer than the general population. For example, a survey of low income, rural residents in Kennebec and Somerset Counties showed that nearly 40% were current smokers compared to the state’s rate of 19.5%.VIII The survey also found that while nearly 100% of people surveyed know about the link between smoking and lung cancer, only 28% are aware of the link between radon and lung cancer. Fewer still (21%) are aware of the link between arsenic and lung cancer. And despite the high number of homes with elevated radon, the survey results show that only 24% of those interviewed have tested their home for radon.IX These preliminary findings are supported by state Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Factor data from 2012 which shows that of 3,604 homes tested, 1,014 homes had elevated levels of radon. Of that number there were 145 mitigations reported to the state.x
The Prevention Center plans to address this problem through a multi-pronged approach that involves health care leadership, primary care, specialty care, patients, priority population (low income, rural residents of Maine), policy makers, and business owners in developing prevention strategies and solutions to this public health crisis.
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I Statement of Need, BMSF Grant Proposal, Maine Lung Cancer Coalition
II Statement of Need, BMSF Grant Proposal, Maine Lung Cancer Coalition. Maine CDC Radon Control Program.
III Maine Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (BRFSS Data 2014)
IV Maine Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (BRFSS Data 2014)
V Maine Annual Cancer Report 2015 (Maine CDC Cancer Registry)
VI Maine Annual Cancer Report 2015 (Maine CDC Cancer Registry)
VII .S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2013 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute; 2016. Available at: www.cdc.gov/uscs.
VIII American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control 2017
IX MaineGeneral Prevention Center Intercept Interview Formative Research 2017
X Maine BRFSS 2012
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Bingham Public Library
Hathaway
MaineGeneral Prevention Center
Prevention & Healthy Living, MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Center for Health, 149 North Street , Waterville, ME 04901
(207) 861-5210 Office / (207) 872-4102 Prevention Center