I thank CMAJ for highlighting the topic of radon-related cancer.1 Very few Canadians are aware of radon and the risks it poses. This is a substantial hurdle in the battle against radon-related malignancy. There is another hurdle: many physicians do not fully understand the risks related to radon.
The topic of radon was mentioned briefly during my medical school training. I did not pay much attention to it, given the vast number of other topics I had to learn. I suspect most of my colleagues did the same. Of the thousands of patient encounters in which I have been involved, I’ve never heard a physician ask about radon, nor have I.
Excellent resources are readily available. Health Canada’s website (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/radiation/radon/index-eng.php) is an excellent introduction and should be required reading for all medical students and residents.