These risk factors have led to these sobering statistics:
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To address this perfect storm, Maine Medical Center (MMC), the MaineGeneral Prevention Center, and other key stakeholders came together to apply for a grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation’s Specialty Care for Vulnerable Populations portfolio. In June of 2016, the foundation awarded a four-year, $5 million dollar grant to MMC to improve the prevention, early detection and treatment of lung cancer in Maine where incidence rates and deaths due to lung cancer are among the highest in the nation. Maine’s has the 5th highest incidence of lung cancer in the country and the 7th highest mortality rate. VII
Partners include the major health care systems across the state, the University of Southern Maine, as well as several private nonprofits such as the Maine Cancer Foundation.
“The Maine Lung Cancer Coalition’s work will test innovative strategies to reach these individuals and to ultimately reduce suffering and death from lung cancer in our state,” said Dr. Paul Han of MMC’s Research Institute and the principal investigator on the grant.
At the MaineGeneral Prevention Center, the team is taking a comprehensive approach to lung cancer risk reduction by addressing all risks for lung cancer: smoking, radon, and arsenic. The Prevention Center is working to understand community beliefs and attitudes about lung cancer in order to develop messages that will reach them and engage them to take an action. This may be help with tobacco treatment or encouraging people to test their home for radon and arsenic.
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 radonIX. 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 statex.
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.
Maine has a perfect storm of risk factors for lung cancer. Our statewide smoking rate is the highest in New England. IOne in three homes has elevated levels of radon. IIAbout 57% of homes in Maine rely on well water as their primary source of water. IIIBecause of the unique geographical features of Maine where many homes are on granite ledge, well water is often contaminated with both arsenic and radon. In the Central Public Health District, 26% of homes have arsenic levels that exceed the federal guidelines. IV
Maine Lung Cancer Coalition Receives Grant
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