This tennessee City Takes the Lead in Highest Cancer Rates in the State

Memphis, Tennessee, has the highest cancer rates in the state, according to the Tennessee Cancer Atlas 2023. The city’s age-adjusted cancer incidence rate is 46.2 cases per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state average of 38.5 cases per 100,000 people.

Factors contributing to Memphis’ high cancer rates

There are a number of factors that may contribute to Memphis’ high cancer rates. One factor is the city’s demographics. Memphis has a higher proportion of older adults than the state average, and older adults are more likely to develop cancer. Another factor is the city’s economic status. Memphis has a higher poverty rate than the state average, and poverty is associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Environmental factors may also play a role in Memphis’ high cancer rates. The city is located in a region with high levels of air pollution, which can increase the risk of lung cancer. Additionally, Memphis has a number of industrial facilities, which may release carcinogens into the air and water.

Specific types of cancer with high rates in Memphis

The Tennessee Cancer Atlas 2023 also found that Memphis has high rates of specific types of cancer, including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.

• Lung cancer: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Memphis. The city’s age-adjusted lung cancer incidence rate is 83.1 cases per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state average of 65.4 cases per 100,000 people.
• Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer is the second most common type of cancer in Memphis. The city’s age-adjusted colorectal cancer incidence rate is 48.2 cases per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state average of 40.5 cases per 100,000 people.
• Breast cancer: Breast cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Memphis. The city’s age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rate is 137.3 cases per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state average of 125.7 cases per 100,000 people.

Public health efforts to address the problem

Public health officials in Memphis are working to address the city’s high cancer rates. They are focusing on cancer prevention and early detection. They are also working to improve access to cancer care.

Some of the specific public health initiatives in Memphis include:

• Tobacco prevention and cessation: Public health officials are working to reduce tobacco use in Memphis. This includes educating the public about the dangers of smoking and offering tobacco cessation programs.
• Cancer screening: Public health officials are working to increase cancer screening rates in Memphis. This includes offering free or low-cost cancer screenings and educating the public about the importance of early detection.
• Access to cancer care: Public health officials are working to improve access to cancer care in Memphis. This includes partnering with local healthcare providers to offer cancer care services and providing financial assistance to cancer patients.

What residents of Memphis can do to help reduce cancer rates

There are a number of things that residents of Memphis can do to help reduce cancer rates, including:

• Quit smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Quitting smoking is one of the best things that people can do to reduce their risk of cancer.
• Get regular cancer screenings: Early detection of cancer can lead to better outcomes. People should talk to their doctor about which cancer screenings are right for them.
• Support public health initiatives: Public health officials are working to address the city’s high cancer rates. People can support public health initiatives by donating to local cancer organizations and volunteering their time.

Conclusion

Memphis, Tennessee, has the highest cancer rates in the state. There are a number of factors that contribute to the city’s high cancer rates, including demographics, economic status, and environmental factors. Public health officials and residents of Memphis are working to reduce the city’s cancer rates through a variety of initiatives.