Onkologija (Nov 2022)
Impact of radon on lung cancer incidence in Slovenia
Abstract
Backgound: Radon in the living environment is classified by the World Health Organization as one of 19 environmental carcinogens, and is, along with tobacco smoke, one of the most important risk factors for the development of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 10% of all lung cancer cases. In our research, we examined for the first time the impact of radon on the occurrence of lung cancer in Slovenia. Methods: For the 40-year period from 1978 to 2017, three data sources were linked at the level of settlements: lung cancer patients (Cancer Registry of the Republic of Slovenia), residents (Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia) and radon map of Slovenia. In spatial smoothing models with Bayesian hierarchical models, radon in the living environment was included as an explanatory variable, and population attributable fraction was calculated. The relative risk was estimated using the standardized incidence rate. Results: In Slovenia, about 60 people get lung cancer every year due to exposure to radon in the living environment (analysis at the level of settlements), which represents 5% of all people who get this disease. Analysis of the relative risk by gender shows that in Slovenia, mainly men have an increased risk of lung cancer due to exposure to radon in the living environment. Women who live in areas with higher radon exposure do not have an increased relative risk of developing lung cancer. Conclusion: Along with smoking, exposure to radon in the living environment is one of the most important risk factors for lung cancer in the Slovenian population. In areas where radon concentration is high in the living environment (mainly southern and south-eastern Slovenia), it is crucial from a public health point of view to implement preventive measures, and first and foremost to raise awareness and educate the population about the danger and the possibilities for preventing it..
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