Most people associate lung cancer with smoking. In Colorado, there's another risk factor hiding beneath the surface. Radon, a naturally occurring gas that seeps up from bedrock, is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Robert Meguid, MD, a CU Medicine thoracic surgeon, explains why more Coloradans should pay attention to their lung health and what screening options are available.

Why Lung Cancer Is So Deadly

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and around the world. Despite major advances in treatment, many patients are not diagnosed until the disease has already spread, making a cure much harder to achieve.

"The best way to find out if someone has lung cancer at a curable stage is to engage in lung cancer surveillance or regular screening," Dr. Meguid said. “When lung cancer is caught early, surgery and other treatments give patients a great chance at living out a full, cancer-free life.”

Radon: A Cancer Risk in Colorado

Colorado sits on bedrock that naturally produces radon gas. Unlike smoke, radon is invisible and odorless, so many homeowners have no idea it's present. The gas can seep into homes through basements and crawl spaces, and without a mitigation system in place, it builds up over time.

The risk in Colorado is significant and well-documented. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the average indoor radon level in Colorado is 6.4 pCi/L, more than 60% above the EPA’s action level of 4 pCi/L, and about half of all Colorado homes tested exceed that threshold. Colorado ranks among the top 10 states in the country for radon levels, and radon exposure is estimated to cause approximately 500 lung cancer deaths in Colorado each year. Because radon is present in all 64 Colorado counties, no area of the state is considered low-risk.

The effects of long-term radon exposure are significant. Dr. Meguid said that about 40% (four out of 10 patients) he sees with lung cancer have no significant smoking history. Radon exposure is a primary reason Colorado, and states with similar geology, see lung cancer in patients who otherwise fit no traditional risk profile.

If you've lived in a Colorado home for many years and have never tested for radon or installed a mitigation system, it may be worth talking to your primary care provider about your overall lung health and testing your home for radon.

Who Should Get Screened for Lung Cancer?

National guidelines recommend lung cancer screening for people who meet certain criteria. Screening is typically recommended for adults who:

•  Are 50-80 years of age
• Have a significant history of smoking typically meaning a 20 pack-year smoking history (e.g., smoking ½ pack per day for 40 years, 1 pack per day for 20 years, or 2 packs per day for 10 years)
• Currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years

In Colorado, the conversation doesn't stop there. Given the state's elevated radon levels, Dr. Meguid encourages residents to be thoughtful about all their potential exposures, not just tobacco, and to have an open conversation with their primary care provider. A provider who understands your full history can help you determine whether screening makes sense for you.

What Lung Cancer Screening Involves

Lung cancer screening is a low-dose CT scan that takes pictures of the lungs to look for anything that might indicate early cancer. It is quick, painless and does not require any preparation. If something is found, your care team can take action while the disease is still at a stage where it can be treated and often cured.

At CU Medicine, patients have access to a team of thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, pulmonologists and radiation oncologists who work together to treat lung cancer at every stage. “The goal for any stage lung cancer is a cure, but catching it early is always best,” said Dr. Meguid.

Talk With Your Primary Care Provider About Lung Cancer

If you live in Colorado and have concerns about radon exposure or your lung health, the first step is a conversation with your primary care provider. Together, you can review your history, assess your risk and decide whether screening is right for you.

Catching lung cancer early can mean the difference between managing a disease and leaving it behind for good.

Find a provider or visit CU Medicine Thoracic Surgery – Highlands Ranch Specialty Care Center.

Read about free radon testing offered by CU Anschutz.