This mississippi City Takes the Lead in Highest Cancer Rates in the State
Meridian, Mississippi, has the highest cancer rates in the state. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, in 2021, the cancer incidence rate in Meridian was 599.1 cases per 100,000 people, compared to the state average of 540.4 cases per 100,000 people. This means that Meridian residents are about 11% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than the average Mississippi resident.
There are a number of factors that contribute to Meridian’s high cancer rates. These factors include environmental factors, socioeconomic factors, and access to healthcare.
Environmental Factors
Meridian is home to a number of industries that produce known carcinogens, or cancer-causing substances. These industries include chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, and wood processing. Exposure to carcinogens from these industries can increase the risk of developing cancer.
In addition, Meridian has poor air quality. According to the American Lung Association, Meridian is ranked 10th in the nation for worst air quality. Air pollution can contain carcinogens, such as particulate matter and benzene. Exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of developing lung cancer and other types of cancer.
Socioeconomic Factors
Meridian is a predominantly low-income city. In 2021, the poverty rate in Meridian was 22.5%, compared to the state average of 19.4%. Poverty is a major risk factor for cancer. People living in poverty are more likely to be exposed to environmental toxins, such as lead and arsenic. They are also more likely to have unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking and obesity, which can increase the risk of cancer.
Access to Healthcare
Meridian has a shortage of healthcare providers. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, there are only 5.3 primary care physicians per 100,000 people in Meridian, compared to the state average of 7.6 primary care physicians per 100,000 people. This shortage of healthcare providers can make it difficult for people in Meridian to get the preventive care they need to reduce their risk of cancer.
Conclusion
The high cancer rates in Meridian are a complex problem with no easy solutions. However, there are a number of things that can be done to address the problem. These include:
- Reducing exposure to environmental toxins
- Improving air quality
- Addressing poverty
- Increasing access to healthcare
Read More:
FAQ’s
Q: What are the most common types of cancer diagnosed in Meridian?
A: The most common types of cancer diagnosed in Meridian are lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. These types of cancer are also the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the United States as a whole.
Q: Why is Meridian’s cancer rate higher than the state average?
A: There are a number of factors that contribute to Meridian’s high cancer rate, including environmental factors, socioeconomic factors, and access to healthcare.
Environmental factors include exposure to carcinogens from industries such as chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, and wood processing. Meridian also has poor air quality, which can contain carcinogens such as particulate matter and benzene.
Socioeconomic factors include poverty and lack of access to healthy food and exercise options. People living in poverty are more likely to be exposed to environmental toxins and have unhealthy lifestyles, which can increase the risk of cancer.
Access to healthcare is also a factor. Meridian has a shortage of healthcare providers, which can make it difficult for people to get the preventive care they need to reduce their risk of cancer.
Q: What can I do to reduce my risk of cancer if I live in Meridian?
A: There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer, including:
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding exposure to carcinogens
- Getting regular cancer screenings
Q: What resources are available to help people in Meridian who have been diagnosed with cancer?
A: There are a number of resources available to help people in Meridian who have been diagnosed with cancer. These resources include:
- The Meridian Cancer Center
- The American Cancer Society
- The National Cancer Institute
- The Mississippi State Department of Health
These organizations can provide information and support to people with cancer and their families.
Q: What is being done to address the high cancer rates in Meridian?
A: A number of things are being done to address the high cancer rates in Meridian. These include:
- The city of Meridian is working with local industries to reduce their emissions of carcinogens.
- The city is also working to improve air quality and address poverty.
- The city is working to recruit and retain more healthcare providers.
- Public awareness campaigns and educational programs are being implemented to educate the public about the risk factors for cancer and the importance of early detection.
- Cancer research and development of new treatments is being supported.
