2005 Georgia Data Summary: 
LUNG CANCER 
 
Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are the best strategies for preventing lung cancer. 
 
LUNG AND BRONCHUS CANCER 
 Lung cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Georgia. 
 Over 6,150 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2005 in Georgia. 
 Lung cancer accounts for 16% of all cancers. 
Age-adjusted Lung Cancer Incidence Rates, Females, by Health District, Georgia, 1999-2002 
 
 The Northwest (1-1), North Georgia (1-2), and Southeast (9-1) Health Districts have significantly higher lung cancer incidence rates than the state average for females. 
 The DeKalb (3-5), West Central (7) and Northeast (10) Health Districts have significantly lower lung cancer incidence rates than the state average for females. 
 The Northwest (1-1), East Central (6), South (8-1), Southwest (8-2) and Southeast (9-2) have significantly higher lung cancer incidence rates than the state average for males. 
 The Cobb/Douglas (3-1), Fulton (3-2), East Metro (3-4) and DeKalb (3-5) Health Districts have significantly lower lung cancer incidence rates than the state average for males. 
Age-adjusted Lung Cancer Incidence, by Race and Sex, Georgia (1999-2002) and the United States (1998-2002) 
 
Rate significantly higher than the state average No significant difference Rate significantly lower than the state Age-adjusted Lung Cancer Incidence Rates, Males, by Health District, Georgia, 1999-2002 
Rate significantly higher than the state No significant difference Rate significantly lower than the state 
 
140 
 
120 
 
116 112 109 
 
Georgia 
 
100 
 
89 
 
80 
 
60 
 
40 
 
20 
 
0 Black Males White Males 
 
United States 
 
51 40 
 
56 56 
 
Black Females White Females 
 
RISK FACTORS 
 
 Tobacco use (accounts for about 87% of lung cancers)  Exposure to secondhand smoke  Exposure to certain industrial substances such as 
arsenic, organic chemicals, radon, and asbestos  Radiation exposure from occupational, medical, and 
environmental sources  Air pollution 
 
PREVENTION 
 
 Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are the best strategies for preventing lung cancer. 
Data source: Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry (1999-2002) Date updated: December 2005 Publication number: DPH05.119H Visit http://www.health.state.ga.us/programs/gccr/index.asp for more information about cancer in Georgia. 
 
Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health  2 Peachtree Street, NW  Atlanta, GA 30303  (404) 657-3103  gdphinfo@dhr.state.ga.us  http://health.state.ga.us