By: Thien Bui and Reshma Neupane 1

Lung Cancer Lung Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or more lungs 2 Common Types of Lung Cancer: -non small cell -small cell

- Quality of health care - Access to healthcare services - Racial and ethnic groups - Genetics - Living in cities/suburbs A health disparity refers to differences between groups of people compared to general population. Some factors that are affected by health disparities include: 3

What causes Lung Cancer? Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer.  Factors: Age in which smoking began How long the person has smoked The number of cigarettes smoked per day How deeply the smoker inhales. 4

How do carcinogens relate to lung cancer?  Carcinogens are any substance that cause cancer.  They damage DNA and cause cells to divide at a faster rate.  Cigarettes contain over 60 carcinogens which smokers are inhaling, putting them at risk for lung cancer. 5 Text 5.t5.t 5

Other Risk Factors  Secondhand Smoke  Having family history of lung cancer  Exposed to high levels of pollution and radioactive materials. 6

Symptoms and Treatments for Lung Cancer  Chemotherapy: a drug therapy that can stop cancer cells from multiplying  Radiation Therapy: a cancer treatment designed to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.  A cough that doesn’t go away  Constant chest pain  Coughing out blood  Shortness of breath  Swelling of neck and face  Weight loss Symptoms: Treatments: 7

Lung Cancer Incidence Rates African Americans have a higher occurrence of lung cancer than any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S. African American men are 37% more likely to get lung cancer than Caucasian men. For African American women, the occurrence of lung cancer is roughly equal to that of Caucasian women. 8

 Genetic Factors- because of the biological make-up of African American bodies, they are more likely to die from lung cancer than Caucasians  Social-Economic Factors(low education, low access to healthcare services)  Environmental Factors- because of lower income levels, African Americans often end up living in more polluted communities. 9

Social-Economical Triangle Low Social Class Low Access Low-Level to Healthcare of education Leads to… unawareness to severe side effects of the disease uninformed for possible treatments and prevention. 10

Economic Comparisons 11

Disparity in Education Levels 12

Unequal Access to Healthcare A person diagnosed with lung cancer is likely to be treated when they in their later stages and are not treated properly with a specialist. A person with lung cancer is more likely to be treated at earlier stages of lung cancer, with the proper equipment and respiratory specialists. 13 Emergency RoomPrimary Care Physician V.S

Shocking Recent Reports  While African Americans don't smoke more than Caucasians, research shows that they are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes because of targeted ads by tobacco companies.  Menthol smokers have higher levels of cotinine, a nicotine byproduct, in their blood. This is an indication of higher exposure to nicotine, which may lead to higher levels of addiction. 14

Lung Cancer Statistics in Massachusetts 15

Is Emphysema correlated with Lung cancer?  Yes. The two are correlated, but having emphysema does not certainly cause you to have lung cancer.  The primary cause of both is cigarette smoking. 16 Text 16x t 16

Disparity in Treatments in the U.S 17

Progress Made:  P rogress is being made by organizations promoting “Tobacco Control” and “The Healthy Air Act”.  Right in here in Worcester at UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial, a policy had been implemented that no smoking is allowed on campus grounds.  Schools and restaurants have made no smoking policies where you have to be at least 20 feet away from the area to smoke. 18 Text

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In Conclusion  Lung Cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in Massachusetts  Biological, Socioeconomic, and Environmental factors play a significant role in the health disparity  There is disparity in treatment, education levels, income, and employment rate. 20

References  Lung Cancer Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2011, from Center for Disease Control and Prevention website:  Hicks, W. J. (n.d.). Too Many Cases, Too Many Deaths: Lung Cancer in African Americans. Retrieved July 12, 2011, from American Lung Association website: states/california/assets/pdfs/too-many-cases- too-many.pdf  Reference Summary: Lung Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2011, from U.S National Library of Medicine website: lungcancer/oc pdfhttp://  Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010, July 8). Lung Cancer. Retrieved July 12, 2011, from  American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Lung Cancer- Non Small Cell. Retrieved July 12, 2011, from American Cancer Society website:  Stoppler, M. C. (n.d.). Lung Cancer. In Lung Cancer. Retrieved July 12, 2011, from Medicine Net website:  Lung Cancer. (2003, October 23). Retrieved July 12, 2011, from National Cancer Institute website: