Lung Cancer in Minnesota

Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to over 89% of lung cancer deaths.

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Secondhand smoke (breathing in other people’s tobacco) also causes lung cancer.

Radon exposure is the second leading risk factor for lung cancer among smokers and the leading cause for non-smokers. 

Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that comes from the soil. The gas can accumulate in the home. Radon gas decays into fine particles that are radioactive. When inhaled, these fine particles can damage the lungs. 

The average radon level in Minnesota is more than three times higher than the U.S. radon level. In Minnesota, more than two in five homes have radon levels that pose a significant public health risk.

To learn more about radon, visit MDH Indoor Air Program - Radon in Homes.

For more information about radon levels in your county, visit MDH’s Radon Data Portal.

Exposures to substances such as asbestos, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, vinyl chloride, silica, nickel compounds, chromium compounds, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, and diesel exhaust found in some workplaces increase the risk of developing lung cancer. 

Learn more about air contaminants, visit MDH Indoor Air Program.

Lung cancer survivors are at risk of developing another lung cancer, especially if they smoke. Having a parent, sibling or child with lung cancer slightly increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Whether this is due to shared genes or shared household exposures is unclear.

Radiation therapy to the chest increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly for people who smoke. Females who have radiation therapy to the breast after a lumpectomy do not appear to have an increased risk of lung cancer.

The risk of developing lung cancer appears to be slightly increased by ongoing exposure to air pollution, especially near heavily trafficked roads in cities.

MDH Pollution Control Agency - Air quality and health

Recent studies found that people who smoked and took beta carotene supplements had an increased risk of lung cancer. People who smoke should avoid taking beta carotene supplements.

Trends in lung cancer incidence differ depending on sex.

• In men, the rate of lung cancer has been declining since 1988 at a rate of 0.8% per year. Since 2019 the rate has decreased by 4.5% per year.
• In women, the rate of lung cancer has been increasing from 1988-2002 by 2.3% per year and from 2002-2019 by 0.6% per year. Since 2019 the rate has been decreasing by 4% per year.

In 2023, the age-adjusted incidence rate lung cancer was overall was 51.0/100,000. For men the rate was 51.5/100,000. And for women, the rate was 51.1/100,000.

Trends in lung cancer mortality differ depending on sex.

• In men, the rate of lung cancer mortality decreased from 1988-2007 at a rate of 1.2% per year. Since 2007 the rate has decreased more rapidly by 3.8% per year.
• In women, the rate of lung cancer has been increasing from1988-2006 by 1.7% per year. Since 2006 the rate has been decreasing by 2.6% per year

In 2023, the age-adjusted mortality rate lung cancer was overall was 28.0/100,000. For men the rate was 31.0/100,000. And for women, the rate was 25.7/100,000.

Rates of lung cancer incidence by the stage at diagnosis differ by race/ethnicity. Ideally cancers should be detected early. Grey bars are 95% confidence intervals.

Note: The rates are calculated excluding cases with unknown or missing stage at diagnosis.

Rates of lung cancer incidence differ by race/ethnicity. American Indian Minnesotans have the highest death rate for lung cancer. Grey bars are 95% confidence intervals.