This Maine City Has the Highest Cancer Rates in the State

Based on data from the Maine Cancer Registry, Bangor has the highest cancer rates in the state of Maine. In 2019, the cancer incidence rate in Bangor was 538.5 per 100,000 people, which was higher than the state average of 478.5 per 100,000 people.

Several factors may contribute to the higher cancer rates in Bangor. One contributing factor is the city’s significant population of older adults, who face a higher risk of developing cancer. Additionally, Bangor has a smoking rate that exceeds the state average. Smoking is a major contributor to the development of lung cancer, along with other forms of cancer like bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, and esophageal cancer.

Advanced in years

As individuals grow older, there is an increased likelihood of cellular mutations that may result in the development of cancer. As cells get older, their division rate decreases and the chances of errors occurring during division increase. In addition, as we get older, our immune system tends to become less effective at combating cancer cells, which can pose a challenge.

Bangor is home to a significant number of older adults. The median age in Bangor in 2020 was 42.2, which was slightly lower than the state median of 44.6. It can be noted that a significant portion of the population in Bangor was above the age of 42, while a similar trend was observed in Maine with a median age of 44.6.

Smoking

It is important to note that smoking is a major contributor to various types of cancer, such as lung cancer, bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, and esophageal cancer. There are more than 7,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke, with hundreds of them being harmful and at least 70 known to cause cancer.

The smoking rate in Bangor is higher than the average rate for the state. In 2019, the smoking rate among adults in Bangor was 18.2%, slightly higher than the state average of 16.5%. It’s worth noting that the smoking rate in Bangor is higher than the state average. Specifically, almost 20% of adults in Bangor smoke cigarettes, while the rate for the entire state of Maine is slightly lower at around 16%.

Also read: This Ohio City has the Highest Crime Rates in Entire State

Aside from smoking, there are several other factors that could potentially contribute to the elevated cancer rates in Bangor. These factors include:

• Bangor is situated in close proximity to various industrial facilities that release pollutants into the air and water. These pollutants have been linked to an increased risk of developing specific types of cancer, including lung cancer and bladder cancer.
• When it comes to diet and nutrition, it’s important to be mindful of the foods we consume. Consuming a diet that primarily consists of processed foods and sugary drinks can potentially raise the risk of developing specific types of cancer, including colorectal cancer and breast cancer.
• Obesity is associated with an increased risk of various types of cancer, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and endometrial cancer. The obesity rate in Bangor is higher than the average rate for the state. In 2019, the obesity rate in Bangor was 31.7%, slightly higher than the state average of 29.4%.
• Access to healthcare: Individuals without regular access to healthcare screenings often receive cancer diagnoses at later stages, making treatment more challenging. The rate of uninsured residents in Bangor is higher than the state average. In 2019, the uninsured rate in Bangor stood at 8.2%, slightly higher than the state average of 7.0%.

It’s worth mentioning that cancer is a disease that has multiple causes and is quite complex. Understanding why cancer rates are higher in Bangor compared to other parts of Maine is a complex matter with multiple contributing factors. Nevertheless, the factors mentioned above are widely recognized as contributors to the risk of cancer.