lung cancer deaths

• As the leading site in cancer deaths, lung cancer accounted for an annual average of 323 deaths in San Mateo County between 1992 and 1996. ⁵⁵⁶

lung cancer incidence

• Between 1990 and 1994, the annual average age-adjusted incidence rate of lung cancer cases in San Mateo County was 66.4 per 100,000 for men, and 45.5 per 100,000 for women. In comparison to statewide rates, the San Mateo County male incidence is lower than the California rate, while the San Mateo County female rate is slightly higher. ⁵⁵⁷

• Further, lung cancer incidence rates in San Mateo County are highest among White men (69.1 cases per 100,000), followed by Asian/Other men (53.7 cases per 100,000), White women (49.9 cases per 100,000), and Hispanic men (43.5 cases per 100,000). [Note that African-American rates are not included in this analysis due to insufficient data.] ⁵⁵⁸

tobacco use

Tobacco is the single most important preventable cause of death in the United States. Tobacco is one of the leading non-genetic external risk behaviors, and is a major risk factor for numerous heart and lung diseases and cancers. Note the following findings of the 1998 San Mateo County Behavioral Risk Factor Survey:

• A total of 16.6% of San Mateo County respondents are classified as "current" smokers (meaning that they have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, and they currently smoke). This is lower than the 18.4% found statewide and the 18.6% found nationwide. Smoking prevalence is highest among those with a high school education or less (21.9)% and persons in households with incomes between $28,000 and $77,999 (21.9%). ⁵⁵⁹

• Among current smokers, 77.9% say they smoke 20 cigarettes (1 pack) or fewer per day, while 22% smoke more than a pack a day. ⁵⁶⁰

• Of all respondents, 17.5% report that they or another member of their household currently smokes in their home. ⁵⁶¹

• A total of 5.2% of San Mateo County adult respondents report use of cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco or snuff. ⁵⁶²

562   Ibid.