EXAMINING LUNG CANCER DISPARITIES AND RISK FACTORS IN WISCONSIN, USA (2016-2020)

Abstract

Studies over the United States has shown that disparity still exists in lung cancer mortality. Such disparity has been attributed to several risk factors such as genetics, socio-economic status, comorbidities, amongst others. This study investigates the spatial variations in lung cancer mortality rates in Wisconsin, USA, through analyzing county-level data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER). Emphasis is placed on exploring the relationship between access to lung cancer services, socio-economic factors, and lung cancer mortality rate, utilizing American Community Survey and County ranking data. Scan Statistics (SaTScan) was used to identify mortality clusters, while regression analysis was employed to assess relationships between socio-economic factors and lung cancer mortality rate. The results reveal potential spatial patterns, indicating disparities and risks, with high relative risk cluster predominant in the Northern counties. In addition, poverty and smoking remain the major socio-economic factors contributing to lung cancer disparities in the state. Lastly, the result of the study also suggests that there is disparity in access to lung cancer screening sites in counties across Wisconsin, with southeastern part of Wisconsin having more access than other regions.