Lawrence County is located in the southeastern region of the state of Ohio. To the east, it is bordered by West Virginia, while to the south, it is bounded by Kentucky. Lawrence County has a poverty rate of nearly 20%, making it one of the poorest counties in Ohio. The county has a high unemployment rate as well.
Lawrence County has the highest cancer rates in the state of Ohio. The Ohio Department of Health reports that Lawrence County has an age-adjusted cancer incidence rate of 220.6 cases for per 100,000 people. This indicates that every year, 220.6 people out of every 100,000 people residing in Lawrence County are diagnosed with cancer.
There are several reasons that could explain why cancer rates are so high in Lawrence County. Poverty is one of the factors. People who are poor are more prone to smoke, eat unhealthy meals, and be exposed to environmental toxins. They are also less likely to have access to healthcare, which can result in diagnoses being made at a later stage and worse results.
The limited availability of healthcare is another reason for the high cancer rates in Lawrence County. Lawrence County is a rural area that has a small number of healthcare providers. This can make it challenging for individuals to obtain the cancer screenings and treatments that they require.
The high rates of cancer in Lawrence County may also be influenced by environmental exposures. The county has a long history of mining and other industries that have caused pollution in the environment. Being exposed to environmental carcinogens may raise the likelihood of developing cancer.
In Lawrence County, the rates of smoking and obesity are similarly high. Obesity is linked to a higher risk of developing various types of cancer, and smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for cancer.
The following are the reasons for the high cancer rates in Lawrence County, Ohio:
- Poverty: People who live in poverty are more likely to smoke, eat unhealthy foods, and be exposed to environmental toxins. They are also less likely to have access to healthcare, which can result in diagnoses being made at a later stage and worse results.
- Lack of access to healthcare: Lawrence County is a rural county with a small number of healthcare providers, which means that there is not enough access to healthcare. This can make it challenging for individuals to obtain the cancer screenings and treatments that they require.
- Environmental exposures: Lawrence County has a lengthy history of mining and other enterprises that have damaged the environment. Being exposed to environmental carcinogens may raise the likelihood of developing cancer.
- Lawrence County has high rates of smoking and obesity. Obesity is linked to a higher risk of developing various types of cancer, and smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for cancer.
What steps are being taken to deal with the high number of cancer cases in Lawrence County, Ohio?
The Lawrence County Cancer Coalition is a network of organizations and individuals who are working together to address the high prevalence of cancer in Lawrence County. The group offers educational and outreach initiatives that focus on preventing cancer and screening for the disease. The coalition is also working to make it easier for people in Lawrence County to get cancer care.
Other initiatives to tackle the high cancer rates in Lawrence County include:
- The Affordable Care Act expanded access to Medicaid, which has helped to boost access to healthcare for people in Lawrence County.
- Investing in cancer prevention programs: The Lawrence County Cancer Coalition and other organizations are trying to invest in cancer prevention programs, such as smoking cessation programs and healthy eating programs.
- The Environmental Protection Agency is trying to address environmental exposures in Lawrence County. The Environmental Protection Agency has cleaned up some hazardous locations and is striving to reduce air pollution in the area.
Conclusion:
Lawrence County, Ohio, has a significant public health issue due to its high cancer rates. The Lawrence County Cancer Coalition and other organizations are striving to solve this issue, but more has to be done. We must keep working to make healthcare more accessible, put money into cancer prevention programs, and deal with environmental hazards.
In addition to the initiatives mentioned above, it is also vital to increase awareness about the high cancer rates in Lawrence County. A lot of people do not know the hazards they are facing, which can result in diagnoses being made too late and worse consequences.
It is important that we inform people about how to prevent cancer and the importance of screening for it, as well as ensure that they are able to receive the medical care they require.
Ohio City Has Been Named the Highest Cancer Rates(Website)