Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, has been identified as the city in the state with the highest incidence of cancer. The State Cancer Profiles website states that Matanuska-Susitna Borough has an age-adjusted incidence rate of 22.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This indicates that every year, 22.3 out of every 100,000 persons living in Matanuska-Susitna Borough are diagnosed with cancer.
The number of cancer cases in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Compared to the state and national norms, the cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough are higher. In Alaska, the age-adjusted incidence rate of cancer is 17.8 cases for every 100,000 people. In the United States, the age-adjusted incidence rate of cancer is 13.9 cases for every 100,000 people.
Lung cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer are the three most prevalent types of cancer in Matanuska-Susitna Borough. In Matanuska-Susitna Borough, lung cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer.
Possible reasons for the high prevalence of cancer
The high cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough may be due to a number of different factors. One reason is that the borough has a large population of Native Alaskans, who have higher incidences of cancer than non-Native Alaskans. Another consideration is that the borough has a high smoking rate, which is one of the main risk factors for cancer.
Other potential reasons for the high cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough include:
- Environmental hazards, include exposure to radon gas or asbestos
- Occupational exposures include contact with certain substances or carcinogens.
- Access to healthcare, which includes cancer screenings and treatment
- Factors related to one’s lifestyle, such as diet and exercise
Actions taken to deal with the high prevalence of cancer
The Alaska Cancer Consortium is attempting to reduce the high prevalence of cancer in Matanuska-Susitna Borough and other areas of Alaska. The partnership is working to increase the number of cancer screenings, improve access to cancer treatment, and reduce the risk factors associated with cancer.
The Alaska Cancer Consortium is also trying to find out what particular causes are causing the high cancer rates in Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The consortium will be able to create tailored treatments to lower the rates of cancer in the borough after these factors have been discovered.
Along with the Alaska Cancer Consortium, there are several additional groups that are attempting to alleviate the high prevalence of cancer in Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The Matanuska-Susitna Valley Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium are among the organizations that are included.
The Alaska Cancer Consortium and other groups are starting to see positive results from their efforts. In recent years, the number of cancer cases in Matanuska-Susitna Borough has gone down a little bit. However, additional efforts are required to lower the incidence of cancer in the borough and other regions of Alaska.
Conclusion:
The high number of cancer cases in Matanuska-Susitna Borough is a significant public health issue. The Alaska Cancer Consortium is trying to solve this issue, but there is still more work to be done. We must raise the number of cancer screenings, enhance access to cancer care, and lower the risk factors for cancer. We also need to increase awareness of cancer in Alaska.
Alaska City Has Been Named the Highest Cancer Rates(Website)