This Alaska City Has Been Named the Highest Cancer Rates in the State
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, has been named the city with the highest cancer rates in the state. According to the State Cancer Profiles website, Matanuska-Susitna Borough has an age-adjusted incidence rate of 22.3 cases per 100,000 people. This means that for every 100,000 people living in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 22.3 are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
The cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough are higher than the state and national averages. The age-adjusted incidence rate for cancer in Alaska is 17.8 cases per 100,000 people, and the age-adjusted incidence rate for cancer in the United States is 13.9 cases per 100,000 people.
The most common types of cancer in Matanuska-Susitna Borough are lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
Possible factors contributing to high cancer rates
There are a number of factors that may contribute to the high cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough. One factor is that the borough has a large population of Native Alaskans, who have higher rates of cancer than non-Native Alaskans. Another factor is that the borough has a high rate of smoking, which is a leading risk factor for cancer.
Other possible factors contributing to high cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough include:
- Environmental exposures, such as exposure to radon gas or asbestos
- Occupational exposures, such as exposure to certain chemicals or carcinogens
- Access to healthcare, including cancer screenings and treatment
- Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise
Efforts to address high cancer rates
The Alaska Cancer Consortium is working to address the high cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough and other parts of Alaska. The consortium is focused on increasing cancer screenings, improving access to cancer care, and reducing cancer risk factors.
The Alaska Cancer Consortium is also working to identify the specific factors contributing to high cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Once these factors are identified, the consortium can develop targeted interventions to reduce cancer rates in the borough.
In addition to the Alaska Cancer Consortium, there are a number of other organizations working to address high cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough. These organizations include the Matanuska-Susitna Valley Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.
The efforts of the Alaska Cancer Consortium and other organizations are beginning to make a difference. Cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough have decreased slightly in recent years. However, more work needs to be done to reduce cancer rates in the borough and other parts of Alaska.
Conclusion:
The high cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough are a serious public health problem. The Alaska Cancer Consortium is working to address this problem, but more needs to be done. We need to increase cancer screenings, improve access to cancer care, and reduce cancer risk factors. We also need to raise awareness about cancer in Alaska.
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