Missouri is showing poor results when it comes to lung cancer.
The American Lung Association released it national State of Lung Cancer report this week, and Missouri ranks as the 6th worst state for new cases of lung cancer. Laura Turner is Missouri’s Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association.
“We are 44 out of 49 in the nation for new lung cancer cases,” she told Missourinet. “I think that’s our worst statistic.”
Missouri’s lung cancer survival rate is also low compared to other states.
“For survival, we’re a little on the lower side, 30 out of 47, so 26.5%,” Turner said. “That statistic is looking at the rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis.”
While smoking is cited as the main risk factor, radon gas is also a major threat.
“Anybody’s home can have radon,” Turner said. “And so, we’re actually like 33% of homes in Missouri have high radon levels.”
Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that occurs naturally and can commonly be found inside homes. Turner said you can buy radon testing kits at local stores or you can get one for free from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Check here for details.
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