The Voice Newspapers, Serving Chicago's West Side: 2016-07-17

Thursday, July 21, 2016

ABC BANK PRESENTS SIX SCHOLARSHIPS AT 26th ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

The Community Advisory Committee that approached ABC Bank President Colette Loesher offering to assist with the Scholarship Program. Members are: Brad Cummings, Wilner Jackson, Vivian Stewart Tyler, Catherine Long, Dr. Louverta Hurt & Brenetta Howell Barrett with Colette Loesher. (Photo by Javarius Christian)

The ABC Bank Scholarship winners gather for a photo before the ceremony. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Scholarship recipients with ABC Bank executives and presenters at the ceremony held at Northwest Institute for Contemporary Learning, 5108 W. Division St. (Photo by Javarius Christian)

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REPORT FROM ALDERMAN EMMA MITTS

Happy April 2025 Everyone! I hope you have a great month ahead and here’s some interesting 37th Ward community news for you:

37th Ward Block Club President’s Meeting Saturday, April 5, 2025 Calling All 37th Ward Block Club Presidents! Join us at the 37th Ward Public Service Office, 4924 West Chicago Avenue, @ 8:30am on Saturday, April 2, 2025 as we inform, update, and engage you with vital local news updates happening in our Ward. Learn exciting details about new and current initiatives presented by speakers from these City Agencies: Department of Streets & Sanitation and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS). Additionally, hear information from the West Side Long Term Recovery Group. Look Forward to Seeing You on Saturday! Citywide Annual ‘CLEAN & GREEN” Day Saturday, April 12, 2025 This year, the City’s Annual Clean & Green Day of Service is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2025. Across the city on this day people work together for positive change. 37W residents, school groups and community organizations volunteer and join up to clean, de-clutter and beautify our neighborhood areas. All volunteer groups are welcome to participate! Call 311 to register, and the Department of Streets and Sanitation will lend brooms, rakes, shovels, and bags for the clean-up projects. IMPORTANT – THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2025! CALL NOW! ONE SUMMER CHICAGO Youth 14-24 Job Opportunities May 30! Attention City Youth, ages 14-24 Looking for Summer Jobs! ACT NOW! Apply before the May 30th Deadline!! Go to: https://OneSummerChicago.org!! .

The 37th Ward office, 4924 West Chicago Avenue, is open Monday-Friday, from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Contact the 37th Ward Office at 773-379-0960 or ward37@cityofchicago.org. You can also follow Alderman Mitts on Twitter: @EmmaMittsAld371

A Call To Action: By Reverend Charles C. Brown, Ph.D. - Pastor, New Heaven Christian Church

Narcotics Anonymous: A Path to Recovery and Healing

Substance use and abuse is a complex and often devastating condition that affects millions of people from all walks of life. It knows no boundaries, does not discriminate, and is not limited by age, gender, or social status. It is a destructive disease whose grip seems unbreakable. However, there is hope through Narcotics Anonymous (NA), a global community-based organization that provides help and support to individuals recovering from substance use and abuse. Founded in 1953, NA follows a 12-step approach to recovery, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability, peer support, and spiritual growth. NA provides a path to healing, and I know individuals whose lives were transformed through NA and went on to help others overcome their struggle with substance use and abuse. The 12-step program, the foundation of Narcotics Anonymous, is adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous or AA’s principles. However, these principles are modified to address substance use, making NA an inclusive space for all struggling with addiction. These steps encourage individuals to acknowledge their powerlessness over addiction, seek help from a higher power (as they understand it), make amends for past wrongs, and commit to continuous self-improvement. It is a program based on accountability and ownership of one’s issues, and to heal, an individual must utilize and implement the program’s principles. Consequently, the four main principles that govern NA are the concepts of anonymity, spirituality, attending meetings, and seeking sponsorships. Anonymity is a significant factor that makes the program so successful because it ensures that members can share openly and honestly without fear of judgment or exposure. During meetings, people talk freely while others listen without judgment. This confidentiality fosters a safe and supportive environment where individuals can openly discuss their concerns, hesitations, and struggles with a sense of vulnerability and trust. NA’s emphasis on spirituality moves the individual outside of themselves, inspiring a sense of hope and connection. Although NA as a program is not affiliated with any religion, members are encouraged to seek strength from a higher power, which can be defined in a way that aligns with their personal beliefs. This open-ended approach makes NA accessible to people of all faiths, as well as those who identify as agnostic or atheist. It is essential to recognize that the spiritual aspect of NA is not about promoting a specific religion but rather about discovering a source of strength and guidance that resonates with everyone. Without a doubt, meetings serve as the core or foundation of NA’s support system, providing a sense of support and connection. Although the meetings vary in format and structure, they all provide a judgment-free space where recovering people with a substance use disorder can share their experiences and support one another. Ordinary meeting formats include: • Speaker Meetings – A member shares their story, focusing on their journey through addiction, recovery, and personal growth. • Discussion Meetings – Members discuss specific topics related to recovery, such as coping with cravings, dealing with emotions, or rebuilding relationships. • Step Study Meetings – Participants study and reflect on one of the 12 steps, exploring how to apply it in their lives. Meetings can be held in person or virtually. There are also specialized meetings for certain groups, such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, or those in the early stages of recovery. The wide variety of meeting formats makes NA accessible to individuals in all situations, which adds to NA’s success rate. Sponsorship is also a valuable aspect of NA. A sponsor is an experienced member who offers guidance and support to newcomers. They help individuals navigate the 12 steps and provide encouragement during difficult times. Sponsors play a crucial role in maintaining accountability and fostering long-term sobriety. As a member of the West Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force, a collaborative effort aimed at addressing the opioid crisis in our community, I have witnessed the devastating effects of substance use disorder on many lives. While some have lost hope, it is essential to remember that help is available. Together, as a united community, we can restore lives and bring back hope.

Pastor of New Heaven Christian Church, Professor of Psychology, Advisor to State Representative LaShawn K. Ford, Illinois 8th District Chair of Higher Education, Co-Chair for the 37th Ward Pastors Alliance, member of the New Baptist Ministers Fellowship, and Board of Directors for the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund.

AS I SEE IT By Representative La Shawn K. Ford

Violence and Mental Health

The epidemic of violence continues to destroy families and communities in Chicago. We need mental health support to match the police deployment on the South and West sides of Chicago.
At least 108 people were shot and 17 were killed in Chicago over the 2021 Fourth of July weekend, according to the Chicago Tribune. This compares with last year during the pandemic, when 79 people were shot and 15 were killed over the 2020 Fourth of July weekend, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Whenever there are killings in schools or workplaces, trauma support is routinely sent in to help the people directly impacted by the acts of violence. The city of Chicago continues to experience deadly violence, and there has been little to no mental health response for the people affected in our communities.
In addition, I believe in the public health approach to violence, which sees violence as being preventable, not inevitable. We must curb violence and stop it before it starts. Preventing violence is not solely a punitive approach. We need a comprehensive approach to prevent violence, starting with immediate deployment of state, county, and city of health departments to organize and bring in mental health support for the communities impacted by ongoing violence. We must strengthen the work of violence interrupters who are working now by augmenting their work with mental health outreach trauma workers.
Although Black and Latino people have similar rates of behavioral health disorders as the general population, they have substantially lower access to mental health and substance use treatment services, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In 2018, 69.4% of Black and 67.1% of Hispanic adults with any mental illness reported receiving NO treatment the previous year compared with 56.7% of the overall US population, according to a recent SAMHSA report.
However, we must not stigmatize those with mental illnesses. Studies have repeatedly shown that the majority of individuals with mental illness are not violent, and that the majority of violent acts are not committed by those with mental illness, according to a 2020 review by Emilee Green of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA). The MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study, one of the most robust and detailed studies examining the link between mental illness and risk for violence, found after controlling for a co-occurring substance use disorder, those with mental illness had no greater risk of violence than those without mental illness.
I like to quote Rashad K. Saafir, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Bobby E. Wright Comprehensive Behavioral Health, because what he says is so important. Dr. Saafir says, “It is time that we recognize that violence in Black and Brown communities is deeply rooted in historical and cultural factors including racism and ethnocultural discrimination. These factors have produced social and environmental conditions that impair the ability of some Black and Brown people to contribute productively to the community. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
So, what can be done? In the review by Emilee Green, in contrast with risk factors that increase the likelihood of violent behavior, protective factors work to prevent or deter violent behavior. The American Psychological Association notes that factors such as a person’s family, career, and home environment can reduce risk of violence. Other protective factors may include religious beliefs, positive peer relationships, and involvement in prosocial activities. For those with mental illness, the strongest protective factor may be effective behavioral health treatment. What is considered effective may vary person to person, but effective treatment plans often include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes (e.g., exercising, eating healthy), illness self-management (e.g., developing coping skills, setting goals for recovery), and joining support groups.
Fazel and colleagues (2010) noted that for those with substance use disorders, treatment may be the most protective against violent behavior due to the strong relationship between these disorders and violence. Receiving integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders can reduce substance use and increase motivation for treatment in persons with mental illness.
Violence is something that impacts all of us directly or indirectly, and it will take all of us working together to save lives in Chicago by paying attention to treatment and protective factors, while effectively bringing trauma care to the families that have been so greatly affected by violence.

For more information, contact one of Ford’s Constituent Service Offices: 816 S. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park at 708-445-3673, 4800 W. Chicago Avenue in Chicago at 773-378-5902 or in the Stratton Office Building in Springfield at 217-782-5962, or visit www.lashawnford.com.

What Does God Have To Do With It? Who’s Running It?By Angie Mims

WAR

“I’m not religious in any way, but this is the closest I have felt to God in my entire life! Fantastic service! I wish we had these in Australia!” – Marcus Backman

These are the words of an Australian man who witnessed via YouTube, a snippet of the potent anointing that rests within the hands of Willie James Jones Jr. With close to one million views, Dr. E. Dewey Smith, senior pastor of The House of Hope in Atlanta and Macon, Georgia, marveled as Jones Jr. seamlessly graced the keys of a Hammond B3 organ.
Hailing from Chicago, Jones Jr. is the proud product of Pastor Willie and Loretta Jones Sr. At fourteen years of age, his interest in music reached a monumental mark as he admired his mother’s ability to play the piano. Through unrelenting determination, Jones Jr. mastered the art of atmospheric change through the conduit of music. And while many effective artists have the capability of changing an environment, it is Jones Jr.’s zeal to change the atmosphere for the glory of God that makes him stand out from the rest.
When Pastor Emeritus Charles Jenkins of Fellowship Baptist Church in Chicago saw an unmatched gift within Jones Jr. and began collaborating with him, this professional bond took his musical aim to heights that only a sovereign God could achieve. With an outstanding fusion of both music and technology, he was able to impact many globally. Billboard hits like “War” and “Awesome” are just some of the songs that he’s helped arrange.
Jones Jr. is extremely creative. He’s been a part of great projects with artists such as Anita Wilson, Erica Campbell, Kevin Vasser and many others. Needless to say, his zeal remains the same. Whether he’s in London, Barbados, Italy or in his hometown, Chicago, he remains planted in the gospel genre. Perhaps this is why he’s been able to laugh it up with iconic actors such as Chris Tucker or why he’s able to be a part of national programs such as Cathy Hughes’ Urban One Honors. He now knows, without fail, that his immense gift is because of God our Father.
So, what does God have to do with it? All of his accomplishments haven’t been itemized in this article and yet, you better believe war was inevitable in his journey. From health complications, family challenges and career decisions, Satan has certainly tried to wear him down.
From time to time, Jones Jr. will reference “the dark room.” In these dark rooms are thoughts that many aren’t privileged to see. Not many know of the inner struggles that successful people have to face. It’s true – we see their glory but we don’t know their story. We don’t always get the chance to witness the tears that stream down their face in private times. We don’t always get the chance to experience their fleeting moments of defeat. Nor do we get the chance to journey to the “dark places” that many impactful artists like Jones Jr. have had to travel – alone.
As a graduate of Chicago State University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education, he will tell you, much like Langston Hughes, “life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” And yet, Jones Jr. decided to wage war in the spirit realm. He’s taken ownership of his own missteps and isn’t quick to always point the finger.
Often times, in the midst of intense projects, he will speak words of affirmation, declaring victory before it’s been won. His life often times epitomizes Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers’ declaration, “Encourage Yourself.” With prayer and the inner strength of a king, given to him by God, he continues to press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Conceivably, we can take a chapter from Willie James Jones Jr.’s book – you want success? Be willing to wage a war to preserve what God has given you – life. Even the unsaved will marvel at the warrior within.

Angie Mims is a radio personality for the Promoting Precision Radio Show. She has interviewed many greats on her show such as NBC 5’s Art Norman, CLTV News Dr. Garrard McClendon, Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, Ebony Magazine’s Senior Editor, Lynn Norment, the former president of Nigeria, General Olesugun Obasanjo, NBA players and many others. Visit her online at www.promotingprecision.com. Angie loves to meet new people and is in a constant attempt to unite people from all over the world. If you have a great story, don’t hesitate! Email her at AngieMims@PromotingPrecision.com today! You may also call (708)-612-4864. Support The Austin Voice Newspaper and let them know your thoughts about her column.

REACHING BEYOND THE WALLS By Reverend Dr. T.C. Thomas, Sr. Pastor

SON Rise!

Grace and peace to you all! As we are preparing to celebrate resurrection Sunday, we should be excited about HIS story. Jesus came to share his ministry of redemption thus allowing anyone who asks him for salvation will receive it. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” Jesus came to be the light of the world and to spread the good news of His saving grace.
We are thrust into this season and how amazing that we are alive to march towards Easter. When the SON rises, the sun will shine no matter what the struggles or the issues, God is still on the throne. As we prepare to celebrate this Easter service, remember the extreme sacrifice that Jesus endured for us to have the right to the tree of life. He hung, bled and died, then rose again for us all. Don’t let this praise moment and opportunity pass you by. Worship and praise His name!

Stay rooted and grounded in Him!

Rev. Dr. T.C. Thomas is the Pastor of Walls Memorial C.M.E. Church, 200 S. Sacramento Blvd., on Chicago’s west Side. He is a strong advocate for children, education, healthcare and most of all the people of God “being better and not bitter.” Rev. Thomas is the author of the young reader series: “Who Am I Really?” and “Me and My Crew, Change is Coming.” Copies may be purchased by contacting the church office. Rev. Dr. Thomas may be contacted at 773-533-2721.

JESUS FREEWAY EXPRESS by Apostle/Prophet Emanuel Dada

A REPLY TO IMMORALITY ON FACEBOOK

Greetings my Dear Brethren, Note: The message I sent to facebook below in response to evil videos of women totally nude (naked) with nothing on, even having sex with men on facebook. Please read on: Today’s very important message is for my Dear Sisters who 2 days ago exposed themselves to the whole world in Total nudity (Naked); even showing sexual activity video on Facebook without regard for the moral values of Facebook and its public users in general. Dear Sisters in public nudity on Facebook, Be aware of The Living God for He created you In His own image In Holiness ------- Do not pollute your body with sexual immoralities (indecent exposure of your ladyship, note Galatians 5:19--21). God calls you Special and He will not tolerate another Sodom and Gomorrah which was destroyed by God due to their extreme sexual public immoralities. If your Facebook sexual exposure is for money; you can be sure that Father God will supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Don’t yield to the devil (Satan) to deceive you and lure you to commit these abominations (sins) in order to get you destroyed in hell with his demons torturing you while satan himself laughs at you saying, “l fool you.” Stop, Stop, Stop! Repent, change to be Forgiven by God. Run to Jesus Today before you die in the sins --- then it is too late. So many regrets in hell because No pardon (No Forgiveness of sins) by God in hell ---it is too late!!! and the devil (satan) knows it. God loves you. Don’t hurt His feelings any longer. Turn your life around Now. Jesus is waiting to welcome you back to God --- Make God happy with you; Run to Jesus Today. Be born again.Tell the loser (satan) to go to hell with his demon workers of hell, and run away from him. Don’t follow him to suffer forever and ever --- Big Regrets. T’is time to Repent and clean up!!! Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Start Reading The Word (Bible). God wants to speak to you Today --- You will be happy to hear from your Heavenly father God. Start Reading Psalm 23 of The Bible. Jesus loves you and God bless you. In the vineyard of Christ, Jesus is my strength and hope. Your brother In Christ, Apostle/Prophet & (Mrs.) Evangelist Dada. As always, please call for prayer support at (630)965-0256. God bless. Apostle/Prophet E. Dada.

For Prayer support, please call me at (630) 965-0056. Thanks and God bless. Pastor (Senior Apostle/Prophet) Emanuel Dada.

Dr. James Poulos Presents:

Teeth Grinding

“Keep a stiff upper lip” or “get a grip!” That’s often the advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress. If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. It’s called bruxism, and often it happens as you sleep.
Teeth grinding can be caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. A study in the November 2016 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association suggests that teeth grinding is also associated with alcohol and tobacco use. People who drink alcohol and smokers are approximately twice as likely to grind their teeth.

The symptoms of teeth grinding include:
• dull headaches
• jaw soreness
• teeth that are painful or loose
• fractured teeth

Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. In some cases, your dentist or physician may recommend taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime. If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety.
Teeth grinding is also common in children. However, because their teeth and jaws change and grow so quickly it is not usually a damaging habit that requires treatment and most outgrow it by adolescence.
Although in adults teeth grinding is often the result of stress, the same is not always true with children.

Other possible causes of teeth grinding in children include:
• irritation in the mouth
• allergies
• misaligned teeth

If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, ask your child’s dentist about the potential causes and, if necessary, the possible solutions.

James Poulos, DDS, leads a team of dental specialists at Madison Pine Dental Clinic, 5470 West Madison Street, Chicago. Kidzone is a part of Madison Pine Clinic providing care to children and teenagers in a comfortable, nonthreatening setting. The clinic provides orthodontic care, braces, implants, and cleaning, in addition to fillings, crowns, and dentures for patients of all ages. Madison Pine accepts Medicaid patients and most insurance plans. For an appointment, call (773) 287-2277.

COMMENTARY - Rev. Mitchell Johnson

$200 million to fund our community’s needs – the case for safe and legal sports wagering.
With underfunded health care facilities and schools in our communities crying out for resources, it is essential that we look for new state revenue sources that can address these challenges – immediately.
There is now a simple and responsible way to generate $200 million to help our state meet its budget needs. A recent US Supreme Court decision effectively allowed all 50 states to legalize, regulate and tax wagering on sports if they so choose.
Other states are already bringing in millions to address their budget needs by legalizing sports wagering – and they are helping their residents by taking the market out of the shadows where it was dominated by unethical black-market operators and unregulated offshore websites. As a talk show host, resident, and community organizer who works with blighted communities, I have seen the negative impact that dangerous and illegal operators have had preying on our community. Change is sorely needed.
If Illinois acts quickly and implements a simple and fair sports wagering policy, it can almost immediately start generating revenue for key state services without further burdening taxpayers, while creating jobs and better protecting its residents. Every day that Illinois waits to legalize, regulate and tax sports wagering, significant amounts of money go to other states, which have already done so -- or to the illegal black market.
There is a big difference between legalizing sports wagering and other gaming expansion proposals such as building new casinos. Most importantly, legalized sports wagering can begin generating significant revenue for the state almost immediately after its enactment and implementation. Alternatively, the process of licensing and building new casinos will take many years and can be fraught with unforeseen challenges and delays. Illinois has pressing budget needs – particularly for education and health care – that cannot wait for years to be met.
Illinois already has ten operating casinos and over 30,000 video gaming machines in 6,000 locations. Expansion of casinos may simply further cannibalize an existing and saturated industry, forcing communities and casinos to fight for smaller slices of the same pie. This could put at risk the jobs of 6,200 employees at the existing casinos. Alternatively, legalized responsible sports wagering will bring an entirely new market out of the shadows and generate revenue and jobs without harming existing businesses. The large demand for sports wagering in Illinois is already clear; residents already wager on sports through offshore websites, through the large black market, or by traveling to the states that have already successfully legalized sports wagering. These wagers currently generate zero dollars for our community’s needs.
The creation of a legal and responsible sports wagering system in Illinois – run by experienced and qualified operators - will dramatically reduce the reach and impact of unethical and dangerous black market operators who prey on our communities, while helping us fund vital services and projects.
Illinois should pass a simple and responsible sports wagering legalization plan in to law as soon as possible. It is the right thing to do for our budget, our residents and our communities.

MONEY RUN By Kevin Pearson

Plan to Plan

Have you ever wondered why do I need a business plan? One may say to ones self “ I know what I want to sale. Can I just open my doors and start making money.” This is a thought that has crossed many entrepreneur minds, but having or not having a business plan can be the beginning or the end of ones business.
In early 2001, you all may know I published a hip-hop magazine that circulated in Chicago and two other major cities. The idea to start the magazine came over night. I can remember sitting on the floor in my brother’s room flipping through some old magazines. I looked him right in the eye and said, “ I want to start a hip-hop magazine.” Neither of us had writing experience and definitely no publishing experience, yet he was all in. Our entire business plan was fluttering in our imaginations.
Finally in 2003, after hundreds of hit or miss (only by the grace of God) we put out a full color glossy magazine. The hip-hop community loved the publication. We were on the media list of major music labels; we got passes to just about every hip-hop event. So what was wrong with that you ask? NO MONEY. We had zero revenue coming in, and no strategy in place to get any. We were the new guys on the block, and no ad agency would touch us. Also, big hip-hop publications where adding online versions of them selves, called e-zines, yet we still owed the printer. We hung on for a few years but closed shop in 2006.
In the end, we had a great product and tenacity, but no plan to execute anything. Today I plan everything, ever phone call, email, I even wrote a plan to write this column. “Remember no business has ever been totally successful with out a plan in place to make it successful.”

Want to increase your customers and profit, but don’t know where to start? Let us help, contact the Voice Newspapers at Ph: 773-889-0880 or email: austinvoiceads@gmail.com

PCC WELLNESS CENTER By Alexandra T. Chavez, Development Coordinator

PCC Offers Care Centered Around You
Pregnant and struggling with addiction?

With growing heroin use on the west side of Chicago, PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) has started a chemical dependency program that offers combined prenatal care and substance abuse treatment for pregnant women. In this program, the treatment of heroin, alcohol, and prescription drug abuse is offered right in the doctor’s office.
PCC’s goal is to meet patients where they are in their recovery and help them to set goals without judgment. PCC can help improve the patients’ health and the health of their babies. Patients in this program receive safe, medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine and counseling. They visit weekly, are given ultrasounds, and deliver their babies at West Suburban Medical Center with a PCC doctor.
Services are available at our Chemical Dependency Clinic, located inside PCC Walk-In Wellness Center at West Suburban Medical Center at 1 Erie Court, Suite 1300, Oak Park, IL 60302. Pregnant women and their families in this program may continue to receive primary care, pediatric care, and behavioral health care at a nearby PCC location.
PCC accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and many health plans and also offers a sliding fee program for patients without insurance. They do not deny services because of inability to pay.

CANCER SOCIETY WARNS WOMEN OF THREAT FROM RADON EXPOSURE

A new report finds a statistically significant positive association between high levels of residential radon and the risk of hematologic (blood) cancer in women. This study is the first prospective population-based study of residential radon exposure and hematologic cancer risk, leading the authors to caution that it requires replication and whether it truly differs by sex.
Radon is a naturally-occurring byproduct of the decay of radium and is a known human lung carcinogen, the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Modeling studies show that radon delivers a non-negligible dose of alpha radiation to the bone marrow and therefore could be related to risk of hematologic cancers. More than 171,000 new cases of hematologic cancer and more than 58,000 deaths are expected in the United States in 2016. Hematologic cancers are the most expensive cancers to treat per quality-adjusted life year gained.
For the current study, researchers led by Lauren Teras, Ph.D., of the American Cancer Society used data from the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort established in 1992, to examine the association between county-level residential radon exposure and risk of Hematologic cancer. The analysis included 140,652 participants among whom there were 3,019 hematologic cancers during 19 years of follow-up. They found women living in counties with the highest mean radon concentration had a statistically significant 63% higher risk of hematologic cancer compared to those living in counties with the lowest radon levels. They also found evidence of a dose-response relationship.
The authors say men may have a higher baseline risk, possibly because of more exposure to occupational or other risk factors for hematologic cancer, reducing the impact of any additional risk from residential radon. In women, who have a smaller baseline risk, residential radon exposure might be a larger contributor to overall risk. Another reason may be that the women of this generation spent more time in their homes, so had more residential exposure than men.
According to Dr. Teras, “Radon is already associated with lung cancer and if other studies confirm the link to blood cancers, we think it would warrant strengthened public health efforts to mitigate residential radon risks.”