A University of Illinois Springfield epidemiologist is leading a growing, community-engaged effort to reduce lung cancer risk in Sangamon County and surrounding communities by bringing radon education, testing and screening resources directly to residents.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas and a leading risk factor for lung cancer, responsible for thousands of deaths each year in the United States.

Through partnerships with community organizations and local libraries, Jessica Madrigal, associate professor in the UIS School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability and Public Health in the College of Health, Science and Technology, and her students are delivering education and distributing free radon test kits at outreach events across the region. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has provided approximately 300 short-term radon test kits, representing about $10,000 in support.

The initiative also includes a research component. Madrigal and her team plan to conduct a knowledge survey and publish findings from their community-based radon outreach efforts, contributing to a limited body of research on community-engaged cancer prevention in rural areas.

To date, the team has distributed more than 80 radon test kits through community outreach events and partnerships, including events hosted with the American Cancer Society and UIS Athletics. Early results have already prompted residents to complete tests and seek mitigation support.

“This project is really evolving as we learn more about what our communities need,” Madrigal said. “It started with radon awareness, but it’s grown into something much bigger, focused on reducing lung cancer risk through health education, radon testing and connecting people to lung cancer screening resources and navigation.”

The outreach effort includes workshops at local libraries and community events throughout Sangamon County and neighboring communities, with stops in Chatham, Williamsville and Riverton and plans to expand as additional student support is added.

“There has been limited awareness and education around radon in Sangamon County and the surrounding region,” Madrigal said. “We are working to build awareness and give residents the tools to test and interpret their results and find mitigation professionals.”

In addition to radon education, the project has expanded to include lung cancer screening awareness and navigation support, particularly for rural and underserved populations.

Only about 20 percent of people at risk of lung cancer in the United States receive recommended screening, contributing to late-stage diagnoses and higher mortality rates.

“We are working to increase the number of eligible residents who get screened for lung cancer to prevent late-stage diagnoses and reduce the lung cancer mortality rate in our region. If a person is between the ages of 50 and 80, has a history of smoking one pack per day or more, and currently smokes or quit smoking in the last 15 years, they may be eligible for a lung cancer screening. That screening could save their life,” Madrigal said.

In collaboration with the American Lung Association, the UIS team is piloting efforts to connect residents with lung health navigators who can assist with scheduling screenings, transportation and financial support. The initiative is also exploring future expansion, including the potential development of a mobile lung cancer screening unit to serve rural communities.

The project began as a response to radon-related goals outlined in the 2022–2027 Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan and has expanded as additional needs in the region have been identified. Madrigal also serves on the Illinois Cancer Partnership Executive Committee for cancer control and is the co-chair of the Primary Prevention subcommittee.