Racial/Ethnic Disparities and Geographic Differences in Lung Cancer Incidence—38 States and the District of Columbia, 1998–2006

November 12, 2010 / Vol. 59 / No. 44

MMWR Introduction

Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both males and females and the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Lung cancer affects some races more than others. This report presents the first analysis of lung cancer incidence among racial/ethnic groups by U.S. census region for the period 1998–2006. Findings indicate that annual lung cancer incidence per 100,000 population was highest among blacks (76.1), followed by whites (69.7), American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) (48.4), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (A/PIs) (38.4). Hispanics had lower lung cancer incidence (37.3) than non-Hispanics (71.9). Incidence varied greatly with age, peaking among people aged 70–79 years (426.7). The region with the highest incidence was the South (76.0); the lowest was the West (58.8). Findings identify the racial/ethnic populations and geographic regions that would most benefit from enhanced efforts in primary prevention like reducing tobacco use.