Analyzing Kentucky Cancer Figures

Bowling Green, Ky. – The American Cancer Society has recently  released their facts and figures on cancer for the state of Kentucky, and while survival rates are improving, Kentucky as a whole is one of the worst states in the country when it comes to incidence rate and mortality rate.

Kentucky remains at the top of the list for cancer incidence at 525.9 per 100,000 people. Kentucky is behind only one state, the state of Mississippi, for mortality rate which stands at 178.9 per 100,000 people. Lung cancer is the number 1 killer for both men and women, with prostate cancer being the most occurring cancer for men, and breast cancer being the most occurring cancer for women.

The are many factors, both internal and external, that play into an individual’s risk of getting cancer. Weight, diet, and lifestyle can play a large factor in determining a person’s cancer risk. While those factors play a part when it comes to cancer some are more at risk than other just through family history. So what could you do to mitigate that risk?

“if you’re talking about reducing cancer risk in populations, at average risk without a strong family history of breast cancer, prostate cancer, getting the weight down will be important. And that’s important for breast, uterine, colon, prostate, esophageal, liver, and really can make a big difference” said Bruce Waldholtz M.D. of the American Cancer Society.

Waldholtz says the best way to start understanding your risks is by reading up on it. You can click here to learn more about your risk factors, and how you can actively participate in cancer prevention.