The city with the highest cancer rates in Louisiana is St. Landry Parish. In 2019, the age-adjusted cancer incidence rate in St. Landry Parish was 561.6 per 100,000 people, compared to the state average of 482.9 per 100,000 people.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to the higher cancer rates in St. Landry Parish. Some of these factors include:
- Demographics: St. Landry Parish has a large population of older adults, who are at increased risk for developing cancer. The parish also has a higher percentage of African Americans than the state average. African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Socioeconomic factors: St. Landry Parish has a higher poverty rate than the state average. People living in poverty are less likely to have access to quality healthcare, which can lead to delayed cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Environmental exposures: St. Landry Parish is located in a region with high levels of air pollution. Air pollution can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer and bladder cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: St. Landry Parish has a higher rate of smoking and obesity than the state average. Smoking and obesity are both major risk factors for cancer.
The Louisiana Department of Public Health is working to address the high cancer rates in St. Landry Parish through a variety of initiatives, including:
- Cancer screening programs: The department offers free and low-cost cancer screenings to eligible Louisianans. Cancer screenings can help detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.
- Tobacco prevention programs: The department works to prevent Louisianans from starting to smoke and to help smokers quit. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Louisiana.
- Public education campaigns: The department educates Louisianans about the risk factors for cancer and how to reduce their risk. The department also promotes cancer awareness and early detection.
In addition to the initiatives of the Louisiana Department of Public Health, there are a number of things that individuals can do to reduce their risk of cancer, such as:
- Quitting smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for a number of types of cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of cancer.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is low in processed foods and sugary drinks and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce your risk of cancer.
- Exercising regularly: Exercise can help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
- Getting regular cancer screenings: Cancer screenings can help detect cancer early, when it is most treatable. Talk to your doctor about which cancer screenings are right for you.
If you have any concerns about your risk of cancer, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and develop a plan to reduce your risk.
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