A new study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows mixed results for lung cancer outcomes in Appalachia. While cancer rates and deaths have dropped since 2004, they are still much higher than in other parts of the United States. 

Researchers, led by Todd Burus from the University of Kentucky, examined data from 2017 to 2021 and found that the overall cancer incidence rate in Appalachia was 466. 6 per 100,000 people, compared to lower rates elsewhere. The cancer death rate was also high at 165. 5 per 100,000. The study highlighted that the Central subregion, especially Eastern Kentucky, has the highest cancer rates (495. 9 per 100,000) and deaths (201. 9 per 100,000), with lung and colorectal cancers being most common. Despite progress since 2004, with marked declines in some cancer rates, the authors stress the need for targeted interventions to address unequal outcomes in the region. They call for more research on the factors causing these disparities and emphasize improving cancer prevention and treatment.

In Georgia’s 37 Appalachian counties, including Chattooga County, an average of 1,364 people die from lung cancer each year. Murray County leads the state with the highest cancer mortality rate in the state at 58.6 percent, with Chattooga County a close second at 58.4 percent.