Why Is This Important?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of deaths due to cancer in New Jersey and in the nation as a whole. This is true for both males and females and for each racial/ethnic group. In the United States, 80-90% of lung cancer deaths are due to smoking[https://www.cdc.gov/lung-cancer/risk-factors/ ^1^] which is an avoidable risk factor.

Definition

Deaths with malignant neoplasm (cancer) of the trachea, bronchus, and lung as the underlying cause of death ICD-10 codes: C33-C34

Data Sources

• Death Certificate Database, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, New Jersey Department of Health
  (https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/)
• Population Estimates, State Data Center, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
  (https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/demographics/population-household-estimates/)
• Underlying Cause of Death, CDC WONDER On-line Database, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  (https://wonder.cdc.gov/Deaths-by-Underlying-Cause.html)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

The age-adjusted death rate due to lung cancer halved between 2000 and 2020 and the original and revised Healthy New Jersey 2020 targets have been met by all racial/ethnic groups. The rates among Whites and Blacks are more than double those of Hispanics and Asians and the rate among males is well above that of females but the gap is narrowing. Rates by county range from a low of 19 in Hudson to a high of 42 in Cumberland.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

The age-adjusted death rate due to lung cancer among New Jersey residents is significantly lower than that of the nation as a whole.

Evidence-based Practices

The most important thing you can do to lower your lung cancer risk is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. The second leading cause of lung cancer is radon, a naturally occurring gas that comes from rocks and dirt and can get trapped in houses and buildings. Get your home tested for radon.[https://www.cdc.gov/lung-cancer/prevention/ ^2^]

Available Services

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has many programs and partnerships related to cancer resources, cancer information and cancer prevention. [http://nj.gov/health/ces/] Smoking Cessation: [http://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/tobacco/quitting/]

More Resources

CDC Lung Cancer Info: [https://www.cdc.gov/lung-cancer/] National Cancer Institute: [https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung] NJ Cancer Incidence Data: [http://www.nj.gov/health/ces/cancer-researchers/cancer-data/] NJDEP Radon: [http://www.state.nj.us/dep/rpp/radon/index.htm]

Health Program Information

NJDOH Cancer Programs: [https://www.nj.gov/health/ces/]

Footnote References

1. CDC, [https://www.cdc.gov/lung-cancer/risk-factors/ Lung Cancer Risk Factors], 11/7/23 2. CDC, [https://www.cdc.gov/lung-cancer/prevention/ Reducing Risk for Lung Cancer], 10/26/23