Low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scans offered by Columbus Regional Health have shown that the prevalence of lung cancer among Bartholomew County patients is twice the rate found in a national study of high-risk individuals diagnosed with the disease.
The primary reason?
Too many local residents smoke, which puts them at greater risk for the disease.
That’s concerning.
According to Indiana State Department of Health data, Bartholomew County’s smoking rate of 24 percent of adults is higher than the state (21 percent) and U.S. (17.1 percent) averages, and tops four of five neighboring counties.
Not surprisingly, Bartholomew County lung cancer deaths, 47.5 per 1,000 residents, rank above the U.S. average (41.8) — although slightly below the state average and below rates for four of five neighboring counties.
In 2017 and 2018, the lung cancer rate among county residents screened by CRH officials was about 2.9 percent, and the rate among all patients screened was 2.1 percent. The national study showed an overall lung cancer incidence rate of 1.13 percent.
Based on the prevalence rate of the national trial, CRH should have expected to find 13 cases of lung cancers among Bartholomew County patients. Instead they found 21.
CRH officials also say local residents are underscreened for lung cancer.
These statistics should help serve as a wakeup call for smokers that the habit is risky and increases their chances of developing lung cancer.
Receiving a diagnosis of the disease is too late of a wakeup call.
Local smokers should consider utilizing local and state resources to help them quit their risky habit.
One option is calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW for cessation assistance. Another is by calling 800-699-1019 to enroll in a local tobacco cessation class offered by CRH. Smokers also should strongly consider having a low-dose CT lung scan performed, which CRH offers for just $25.
The cost of taking no action is too great.
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