Experts stress lung cancer screenings as Kentucky ranks worst in US for new cases

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- When it comes to new cases of lung cancer, Kentucky ranks the worst in the country.

The rate of new cases in the state is 84.1, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 52.8, according to the American Lung Association.

Meanwhile, Kentucky's smoking rate of 17.4% is also significantly higher than the national rate of 11.4%.

"Why this is in Kentucky? There's a variety of reasons. Smoking is a big part. We lead the nation with West Virginia on the number of adult smokers. It's 50% more than the U.S. average, so smoking is a big problem causing lung cancer," Dr. Goetz Kloecker, with UofL Health's Brown Cancer Center, said. "The other problem in Kentucky is that Radon is relatively common because of the limestone ground. That's adding to the risk of lung cancer in Kentucky. Mining is an issue, nutrition is an issue."

According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women.

Experts said what makes lung cancer worse is that it initially doesn't show signs or symptoms, and is difficult to diagnose without screenings. That's why UofL Health is using November, which is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, to stress the importance of getting screened.

For more information about cancer screenings, talk to your primary care doctor.

To learn more about lung cancer, its causes, treatment and more, click here for information from the American Lung Association.

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