According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Kentucky has the highest cancer rate in the United States. In 2017 the most recent year for which data is available the state’s cancer rate was 193.9 per 100000 people which is about 30 percent higher than the national average.
There are a number of possible explanations for why Kentucky has such a high cancer rate. One possibility is that the state has a higher than average tobacco use rate. According to the CDC nearly one in four Kentucky adults (24.2 percent) smoke cigarettes which is significantly higher than the national average of 15.5 percent.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of cancer in the United States accounting for approximately 30 percent of all cancer deaths. Cigarette smoking alone is responsible for more than 480000 deaths each year including nearly 42000 deaths from lung cancer.
Another possible explanation for Kentucky’s high cancer rate is the state’s poverty rate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau Kentucky’s poverty rate was 17.2 percent in 2016 which is significantly higher than the national average of 12.7 percent.
Poverty is linked to a number of health problems including cancer. A lack of access to quality healthcare healthy food and safe housing can all lead to increased cancer risk. For example people who live in poverty are more likely to be exposed to dangerous chemicals and pollutants which can increase their cancer risk.
There are a number of other possible explanations for Kentucky’s high cancer rate including the state’s high rates of obesity and physical inactivity. Obesity is a risk factor for a number of cancers including breast colorectal and kidney cancer.
Kentucky also has a relatively high rate of deaths from cancer. In 2017 the state’s cancer death rate was 158.2 per 100000 people which is about 25 percent higher than the national average.
There are a number of factors that contribute to cancer death rates including the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed the type of cancer and the available treatments. In general cancers that are diagnosed at an early stage are more likely to be successfully treated than those that are diagnosed at a late stage.
Kentucky’s high cancer rate is a serious public health problem. The state’s government and health officials are working to address the problem but it will take time to see results. In the meantime it’s important for everyone in the state to be aware of the risks and to take steps to protect themselves from cancer.
Why does Kentucky have the highest cancer rate?
One reason Kentucky has the highest cancer rate is because it has the highest rate of smoking.
What is the main cause of cancer in Kentucky?
Smoking is the main cause of cancer in Kentucky.
How does smoking play a role in causing cancer?
Smoking damages the cells in the body which can lead to cancer.
What are some other risk factors for cancer besides smoking?
Some other risk factors for cancer include exposure to radiation and certain chemicals as well as a family history of the disease.
How can exposure to radiation and certain chemicals cause cancer?
Exposure to radiation and certain chemicals can damage the cells in the body which can lead to cancer.
What is the second leading cause of cancer in Kentucky?
The second leading cause of cancer in Kentucky is obesity.
What are some other health problems that are linked to obesity?
Some other health problems that are linked to obesity include heart disease stroke and diabetes.
How does obesity play a role in causing cancer?
Obesity can lead to cancer because it increases the level of hormones in the body which can damage cells.
What is the third leading cause of cancer in Kentucky?
The third leading cause of cancer in Kentucky is exposure to secondhand smoke.
How does exposure to secondhand smoke cause cancer?
Exposure to secondhand smoke can damage the cells in the body which can lead to cancer.
Are there any other health problems that are linked to exposure to secondhand smoke?
Some other health problems that are linked to exposure to secondhand smoke include heart disease and stroke.
What is the fourth leading cause of cancer in Kentucky?
The fourth leading cause of cancer in Kentucky is a lack of physical activity.
How does a lack of physical activity play a role in causing cancer?
A lack of physical activity can lead to obesity which can increase the level of hormones in the body and damage cells.
What is the fifth leading cause of cancer in Kentucky?
The fifth leading cause of cancer in Kentucky is a diet that is high in fat and calories.
How does a diet that is high in fat and calories play a role in causing cancer?
A diet that is high in fat and calories can lead to obesity which can increase the level of hormones in the body and damage cells.
