Denver has the highest cancer rates in Colorado. In 2019, the rate of cancer cases in Denver was 541.7 per 100,000 people, after adjusting for age. This is higher than the average rate of 482.9 per 100,000 people in the state.
There are several reasons why cancer rates are higher in Denver. Here are some of the factors:
- Demographics: In Denver, there are many older adults who have a higher chance of getting cancer. The city has a larger proportion of African Americans compared to the average for the state. Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with certain types of cancer, like lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Socioeconomic factors: Denver has a poverty rate that is higher than the average rate for the state. When people are poor, they often can’t get good healthcare. This means they might find out about cancer later and have to wait longer to get treatment.
- Denver is in an area with a lot of air pollution. Exposure to air pollution can make it more likely for someone to develop certain types of cancer, like lung cancer and bladder cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: In Denver, more people smoke and are obese compared to the average for the state. Both smoking and obesity greatly increase the risk of developing cancer.
The Colorado Department of Public Health is taking action to deal with the high cancer rates in Denver. They are doing this through various initiatives, such as:
- The department provides free and affordable cancer screenings to Coloradans who qualify. Getting screened for cancer can help find it early, when it is easier to treat.
- Tobacco prevention programs: Our department’s goal is to stop people in Colorado from starting to smoke and to assist those who already smoke in quitting. Tobacco use is the main reason why people in Colorado die and it could have been prevented.
- The department teaches people in Colorado about the things that can increase their chances of getting cancer and how they can lower their risk. The department also helps people learn about cancer and find it early.
Also Read: The Most Fascinating Ghost Town in California Will Bring You Back in Past
There are several things individuals can do to reduce their risk of cancer, in addition to the efforts of the Colorado Department of Public Health. Some of these include:
- Quitting smoking: Smoking is the main reason why people die in the United States and it can be prevented. Stopping smoking is the most beneficial action you can take for your health.
- Maintaining a healthy weight is important because being obese increases the risk of developing various types of cancer. Keeping a healthy weight can lower your chances of getting cancer.
- Eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of cancer. This means avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks, and instead focusing on eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Regular exercise: Exercising regularly can lower your chances of getting certain types of cancer, like breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
- Regular cancer screenings are important because they can help find cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Discuss with your doctor to find out which cancer screenings are appropriate for you.
If you are worried about your chances of getting cancer, it’s important to have a conversation with your doctor. They can assist you in evaluating the level of risk you face and creating a strategy to minimize that risk.
Leave a Reply