A Silent Killer: Unmasking Radon’s Link to Lung Cancer

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, yet many cases occur in people who have never smoked. One often-overlooked culprit is radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer. In this episode, Pharmacy Times® was joined by experts from the University of Kentucky. Stacy Stanifer, PhD, APRN, AOCNS, assistant professor, nurse scientist, and oncology clinical nurse specialist; Timothy Mullett, thoracic surgeon; Donna Robinson, geologist at the Kentucky Geological Survey and PhD student; and Jane Malone, national policy director at the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, discuss the challenges of screening for radon-induced lung cancer, the interplay with smoking, and the gaps in current policy and public awareness. They highlight actionable steps listeners can take—from testing their homes to advocating for stronger protections—to help reduce radon-related risks. This conversation shines a light on a silent but preventable threat and underscores the importance of awareness, education, and action.