2008 Cancer Statistics

The most alarming difference in the cancer case percentages is evident in our lung cancer diagnosis rate. In the nation, lung cancer comprises approximately 15% of all cancer cases combined. Here at SOMC, 23% of the cancer cases diagnosed are lung cancer. The American Cancer Society warns that lung cancer is caused by modifiable risk factors such as:

Smoking: Cigarette, pipe, cigar, and hookah (water pipe) smoking all cause cancer. Risk increases with the amount and duration of use.

Secondhand smoke: Exposure to secondhand (environmental) tobacco smoke increases risk. A nonsmoker living with a smoker has about a 20%-30% greater risk.

Occupational or environmental exposure: Exposure to substances such as radon; asbestos; arsenic; air pollution; radioactive ores (e.g., uranium); silica; beryllium; cadmium; vinyl chloride; nickel and chromium compounds; coal products; mustard gas; chloromethyl ethers; and diesel exhaust increases risk.

Diet: Inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables may increase risk in persons exposed to tobacco smoke.

2008 Patient Demographics

Other Ohio counties 2.6%
Kentucky counties 7.8%

Download a printable version of the 2008 Annual Report