27568, Pine Level, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score People Score

The People Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27568, Pine Level, North Carolina is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.91 percent of the residents in 27568 has some form of health insurance. 43.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.03 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 27568 would have to travel an average of 5.32 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Johnston Health. In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,285 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 27568, Pine Level, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score: Breathing Easy (or Not) in Pine Level, NC (ZIP Code 27568)

The air hangs thick and sweet over Pine Level, North Carolina. The scent of honeysuckle, freshly cut hay, and the distant promise of barbeque wafts through the humid summer air. It’s a scent that evokes a certain kind of Southern charm, a slower pace of life, a sense of community that’s often touted as the bedrock of this Johnston County town. But behind the idyllic facade, a silent threat lurks: lung cancer. This isn't just a medical statistic; it's a reflection of the community's health, a complex interplay of lifestyle, environment, and access to care. This is our Lung Cancer Score for Pine Level (27568).

**Understanding the Score: More Than Just Numbers**

A "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a rigid, numerical grade. It’s a holistic assessment, a snapshot of the factors that contribute to lung cancer risk within this specific ZIP code. We’ll look at demographics, environmental factors, access to healthcare, and lifestyle choices, weaving them together to paint a picture of the community’s health landscape. This isn’t about assigning blame; it’s about understanding the challenges and identifying opportunities for improvement.

**The Demographics of Breathing: A Look at Pine Level's Population**

Pine Level (27568) is a predominantly rural community. The 2020 Census data reveals a population of approximately 2,000 residents, a figure that has seen modest growth in recent years. The demographic makeup is predominantly white, with a significant African American population. The median age hovers around the mid-40s, suggesting a community with a mix of established families and younger residents.

Vignette: *The porch swing creaks rhythmically as Mrs. Johnson, her hands gnarled with age, watches the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and purple. She’s lived in Pine Level her entire life, seen generations come and go. Her husband, a lifelong smoker, succumbed to lung cancer five years ago. The memory hangs heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the disease’s devastating reach.*

**Why Demographics Matter:**

* **Age:** Older populations are, statistically, at a higher risk of lung cancer.
* **Race/Ethnicity:** Certain racial and ethnic groups may experience disparities in access to healthcare, leading to later diagnoses and poorer outcomes.
* **Socioeconomic Status:** Poverty can limit access to healthy food, healthcare, and safe housing, contributing to increased risk factors.

**The Air We Breathe: Environmental Factors and Lung Cancer Risk**

Pine Level's rural setting offers both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to environmental factors. The fresh air and open spaces are a boon to overall health. However, the community's proximity to agricultural land raises potential concerns.

Vignette: *The air hangs thick with the scent of fertilizer. A farmer, his face etched with the sun and years of hard work, drives his tractor through a field of tobacco. He’s been working these fields since he was a boy, the crop a source of livelihood for generations. He knows the risks, the whispers of lung cancer that haunt the community, but the land is in his blood.*

**Environmental Considerations:**

* **Agricultural Practices:** Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals used in farming can increase the risk of lung cancer.
* **Air Quality:** While generally good, seasonal variations in air quality due to agricultural burning or industrial activity could pose a risk.
* **Radon:** Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can seep into homes and is a leading cause of lung cancer.

**Access to Healthcare: A Critical Component**

The availability and accessibility of healthcare services are crucial in the fight against lung cancer. Early detection through screenings and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Vignette: *The local clinic, a small, unassuming building, serves as a lifeline for many residents. Dr. Miller, a compassionate physician, knows her patients by name. She’s seen the devastating impact of lung cancer firsthand, the fear in their eyes, the struggle for breath. She works tirelessly to promote preventative care and early detection, but resources are stretched thin.*

**Healthcare Considerations:**

* **Proximity to Hospitals:** The closest major hospitals are located in nearby cities like Smithfield and Wilson. Travel time and transportation costs can be barriers to accessing timely care.
* **Insurance Coverage:** The rate of uninsured or underinsured individuals in the community can affect access to screenings, treatment, and follow-up care.
* **Availability of Specialists:** Access to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists is essential for effective lung cancer treatment.

**Lifestyle Choices: The Power of Individual Decisions**

Lifestyle choices play a significant role in lung cancer risk. Smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and unhealthy dietary habits are all contributing factors.

Vignette: *The aroma of fried chicken and sweet tea fills the air at the local diner. A group of men, gathered around a table, share stories and laughter. Cigarette smoke curls upwards, a familiar sight in this close-knit community. The habit, passed down through generations, is deeply ingrained in the culture.*

**Lifestyle Considerations:**

* **Smoking Rates:** Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. High smoking rates in the community significantly increase risk.
* **Secondhand Smoke Exposure:** Exposure to secondhand smoke, particularly in homes and public spaces, can also contribute to lung cancer risk.
* **Diet and Exercise:** A healthy diet and regular exercise can strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of cancer.

**Healthy Lifestyle in Pine Level: Finding Opportunities for Change**

Despite the challenges, Pine Level has the potential to foster a healthier community. The focus should be on empowering residents to make informed choices and providing the resources they need to live healthier lives.

**Local Wellness Programs: Building a Healthier Community**

* **Community Health Fairs:** Organizing regular health fairs that offer free screenings for lung cancer, blood pressure, and other health conditions.
* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** Providing access to evidence-based smoking cessation programs, including counseling, medication, and support groups.
* **Nutrition Education:** Offering workshops and classes on healthy eating, cooking, and meal planning.
* **Exercise Initiatives:** Promoting physical activity through walking clubs, community sports leagues, and access to recreational facilities.

**Neighborhood Vibe: Fostering a Supportive Environment**

* **Community Gardens:** Creating community gardens to provide access to fresh produce and promote healthy eating habits.
* **Walking Trails:** Developing walking trails and green spaces to encourage outdoor recreation and physical activity.
* **Support Groups:** Establishing support groups for individuals affected by lung cancer and their families.
* **Public Awareness Campaigns:** Launching public awareness campaigns to educate residents about lung cancer risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection.

**Outdoor Recreation: Embracing the Natural Beauty**

Pine Level's rural setting offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.

* **Parks and Trails:** Promoting the use of existing parks and trails for walking, running, and cycling.
* **Community Events:** Organizing community events that encourage physical activity, such as fun runs, bike rides, and outdoor fitness classes.
* **Nature Appreciation:** Encouraging residents to connect with nature through activities such as bird watching, hiking, and fishing.

**Places to Live: Considering Health in Housing**

* **Radon Testing:** Educating residents about the importance of radon testing in their homes and providing resources for testing and mitigation.
* **Indoor Air Quality:** Promoting healthy indoor air quality through education about ventilation, air purifiers, and the avoidance of indoor pollutants.
* **Safe Housing:** Ensuring that housing is safe and free from environmental hazards, such as mold and lead paint.

**The Road Ahead: A Call to Action**

The Lung Cancer Score for Pine Level is not a final verdict. It’s a starting point, a call to action. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to community health, one that addresses the complex interplay of factors that contribute to lung cancer risk. By working together – healthcare providers, community leaders, residents – Pine Level can build a healthier, more resilient community.

The journey won’t be easy. It will require dedication, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace change. But the reward – a community where residents breathe easier, where the threat of lung cancer is diminished, and where the sweet scent of honeysuckle can be enjoyed for generations to come – is well worth the effort. The future of Pine Level depends on it.