Lung Cancer Incidence in Nonmetropolitan and Metropolitan Counties - United States, 2007–2016

Lung and bronchus (lung) cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the US. In 2016, 148,869 lung cancer deaths were reported. Most lung cancers can be attributed to modifiable exposures, such as tobacco use, secondhand smoke, radon, and asbestos. Exposure to lung cancer risk factors vary over time and by characteristics such as sex, age, and nonmetropolitan or metropolitan residence that might affect lung cancer rates. A recent report found that lung cancer incidence rates were higher and decreased more slowly in nonmetropolitan counties than in metropolitan counties. Here, O'Neil et al examine whether lung cancer incidence trends among nonmetropolitan and metropolitan counties differed by age and sex.