KHN – According to the California Cancer Atlas 2023, Mariposa County, California has the highest cancer rates in the state. The county’s age-adjusted cancer incidence rate is 31.4 cases per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state average of 25.2 cases per 100,000 people.
Reasons for the High Cancer Rates in Mariposa County
Mariposa County’s high cancer rates may be due to a variety of different variables. The demographics of the county are one of the factors. Compared to the state average, Mariposa County has a larger percentage of older persons, and older adults are more likely to get cancer. The economic position of the county is another consideration. Mariposa County has a higher poverty rate than the state average, and those who live in poverty are at a greater risk of developing cancer.
The high cancer rates in Mariposa County may also be influenced by environmental factors. The county is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where the high altitude might increase exposure to UV light, which is a recognized carcinogen. Furthermore, Mariposa County has several gold mines, which could potentially discharge arsenic and other cancer-causing substances into the environment.
Certain Kinds of Cancer That Are Common in Mariposa County
The California Cancer Atlas 2023 also discovered that Mariposa County has elevated rates of several types of cancer, such as lung cancer, skin cancer, and colorectal cancer.
- Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Mariposa County. The county’s age-adjusted lung cancer incidence rate is 71.4 cases per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state average of 52.3 cases per 100,000 people.
- Skin cancer is the most prevalent kind of cancer in Mariposa County. The county’s age-adjusted skin cancer incidence rate is 1,234 cases per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state average of 1,083 cases per 100,000 people.
- Colorectal cancer: In Mariposa County, colorectal cancer is the third most frequent type of cancer. The county’s age-adjusted colorectal cancer incidence rate is 42.7 cases per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state average of 39.4 cases per 100,000 people.
Public Health Initiatives Aimed at Solving the Issue
Officials in Mariposa County are striving to reduce the county’s high rates of cancer. They are concentrating on preventing cancer and detecting it in its early stages. They are also making efforts to make cancer care more accessible.
Mariposa County has a number of public health projects, including:
- Tobacco prevention and cessation: Public health experts are working to decrease the amount of tobacco used in Mariposa County. This involves informing the public about the risks of smoking and providing initiatives to help people quit using tobacco.
- Sun safety: Officials in charge of public health are striving to promote sun safety in Mariposa County. This involves informing the public about the risks of UV radiation and promoting the use of sunscreen and protective apparel.
- Cancer screening: Officials in the public health sector are making efforts to raise the number of cancer screenings in Mariposa County. This includes providing free or low-cost cancer screenings and informing the public about the significance of early detection.
- Access to cancer care: Public health officials are making efforts to enhance the availability of cancer care in Mariposa County. This involves working with local healthcare providers to provide cancer care services and offering financial help to those who have cancer.
Ways That Mariposa County People Can Assist Lower the Number of Cancer Cases
Residents in Mariposa County can take a number of actions to assist lower the frequency of cancer cases, including:
- Stop smoking: In the United States, smoking is the number one cause of death that could have been avoided. One of the best ways to lower the risk of cancer is to stop smoking.
- Shield yourself from the sun: Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can lead to skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen, protective gear, and a hat are ways that people can protect themselves from the sun.
- Make sure to get frequent cancer screenings: Finding cancer early can result in better outcomes. People should see their doctor to determine whether cancer screenings are appropriate for them.
- Support public health initiatives: Public health experts are working to alleviate the county’s high rates of cancer. People can help promote public health programs by donating money to local cancer organizations and volunteering their time.
Final Thoughts
In California, Mariposa County has the highest cancer rates of all the counties. These high rates can be attributed to a variety of reasons, such as environmental pollution, poverty, and limited access to healthcare.
Officials in Mariposa who are responsible for public health are taking action to deal with the city’s high cancer rates. They are concentrating on preventing cancer and detecting it in its early stages. They are also making efforts to make cancer care more accessible.
People who live in Mariposa can also assist lower the number of cancer cases by supporting healthy lifestyles, encouraging cancer screenings, decreasing exposure to environmental toxins, and boosting access to cancer care.
California City Takes the Lead in Highest Cancer Rates(Website)