Measuring public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to radon to inform cancer control activities and practices

Neri, Antonio; McNaughton, C.; Momin, Behnoosh; Puckett, Mary; Gallaway, M. Shayne

doi:10.1111/ina.12468

Cited by 13 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Parents and guardians with more knowledge about radon were significantly more supportive of radon testing in schools. This is consistent with prior studies conducted in homeowners, which established that homeowners who knew the health risks associated with radon were more likely to have their homes tested (Duckworth et al, 2002;Ferng & Lawson, 1996;Ford et al, 1996;Howland, 1996;Neri et al, 2018). Our study builds on this finding by demonstrating that parents with a higher level of education are more supportive of regulating radon in schools in addition to homes.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Radon From the Ground into Our Schools: Parent and Guardian Awareness of Radon

et al. 2020

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Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Exposure in schools may be harmful to schoolchildren and staff. However, states differ considerably in their approaches to mandating radon testing and mitigaiton in schools. In this study, 126 survey responses were received and analyzed from parents of K-12 children in Vermont, USA. Qualitative data were obtained by interviewing two parents for their views and concerns about radon in schools. Our results showed that only 51% of parents believed that radon affects the lungs and only 39% identified it as a carcinogen. 91% believed their children’s schools should act to address elevated radon levels and 87% supported mandated mitigation. These data suggest that there is already overwhelming support for radon regulation in schools among parents of K-12 children. Parents with children in elementary school were significantly more likely to support radon testing, mitigation, and legislation than parents with older children. This suggests that these parents may be strong advocates to encourage legislative action. Parents with more knowledge about radon were significantly more likely to support radon testing in schools. Educating parents about exposure to radon at school and its association with lung cancer could strengthen existing community support for legislation mandating radon testing and mitigation.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Radon From the Ground into Our Schools: Parent and Guardian Awareness of Radon

et al. 2020

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“…These states could improve lung cancer prevention efforts (particularly for non-smokers) by working with local partners (e.g., real estate agents, builders, radon professionals, state radon program) that have existing knowledge of radon reduction efforts. Regardless of state policies, research has shown that people who report hearing of radonrelated health issues are 2-4 times more likely to test their home for radon, and including information on radon associations with cancer risk in cancer plans could increase awareness of this issue [19].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding geographic variations of indoor radon potential for comprehensive cancer control planning

Gallaway

Berens

Puckett

et al. 2019

Cancer Causes Control

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Purpose-Lung cancer is the leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths and radon is the second leading risk factor for lung cancer. By better understanding geologic variations of radon production in states, comprehensive cancer control efforts could be improved. The study purpose was to assess states with the greatest potential for elevated radon and the likelihood of radonrelated actions in National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) awardee cancer plans. Methods-Two state-level variables were derived to approximate potential for elevated radon using the Environmental Protection Agency county map and the 2015 U.S. Census. The association between radon potential and inclusion of radon activity within cancer plans was evaluated using logistic regression. Results-Fifty-one percent of cancer plans recognized an association between radon and cancer risk, and included measurable radon activities. Most states with high radon potential included radon activity in cancer plans. Both measures of radon potential were significantly associated with NCCCP cancer plans including radon activity. Conclusions-Geospatial analyses help to prioritize radon-related lung cancer activities. In areas with high potential for radon exposure, increasing knowledge about potential for radon exposure may result in increased radon testing, mitigation, or other radon reducing strategies, and ultimately reduction of lung cancer deaths.

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“…It was defined as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1988 and epidemiological studies ( 19 – 21 ) have successfully correlated radon exposure to lung cancer both in miner workers and other environmentally exposed populations ( 15 ). It is considered the second most important risk factor for the development of lung cancer after tobacco and the main risk factor amongst never smokers ( 22 ).…”

Section: Epidemiology and Risk Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lung cancer in never smokers: Tumor immunology and challenges for immunotherapy

et al. 2022

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Lung cancer is the second most common and the most lethal malignancy worldwide. It is estimated that lung cancer in never smokers (LCINS) accounts for 10-25% of cases, and its incidence is increasing according to recent data, although the reasons remain unclear. If considered alone, LCINS is the 7th most common cause of cancer death. These tumors occur more commonly in younger patients and females. LCINS tend to have a better prognosis, possibly due to a higher chance of bearing an actionable driver mutation, making them amenable to targeted therapy. Notwithstanding, these tumors respond poorly to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). There are several putative explanations for the poor response to immunotherapy: low immunogenicity due to low tumor mutation burden and hence low MANA (mutation-associated neo-antigen) load, constitutive PD-L1 expression in response to driver mutated protein signaling, high expression of immunosuppressive factors by tumors cells (like CD39 and TGF-beta), non-permissive immune TME (tumor microenvironment), abnormal metabolism of amino acids and glucose, and impaired TLS (Tertiary Lymphoid Structures) organization. Finally, there is an increasing concern of offering ICI as first line therapy to these patients owing to several reports of severe toxicity when TKIs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) are administered sequentially after ICI. Understanding the biology behind the immune response against these tumors is crucial to the development of better therapeutic strategies.

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Measuring public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to radon to inform cancer control activities and practices

Cited by 13 publications

References 12 publications

Radon From the Ground into Our Schools: Parent and Guardian Awareness of Radon

Radon From the Ground into Our Schools: Parent and Guardian Awareness of Radon

Understanding geographic variations of indoor radon potential for comprehensive cancer control planning

Lung cancer in never smokers: Tumor immunology and challenges for immunotherapy

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