According to the Maine Cancer Registry, the city with the highest cancer rates in Maine is Bangor. In 2019, the age-adjusted cancer incidence rate in Bangor was 538.5 per 100,000 people, compared to the state average of 478.5 per 100,000 people.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to the higher cancer rates in Bangor. One factor is that the city has a large population of older adults, who are at increased risk for developing cancer. Another factor is that Bangor has a higher rate of smoking than the state average. Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, as well as other types of cancer, such as bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, and esophageal cancer.
Older Age
As people age, their cells are more likely to develop mutations that can lead to cancer. This is because cells divide less often as they age, and when they do divide, they are more likely to make mistakes. Additionally, the immune system weakens with age, making it more difficult for the body to fight off cancer cells.
Bangor has a large population of older adults. In 2020, the median age in Bangor was 42.2, compared to the state median of 44.6. This means that half of the population in Bangor was over the age of 42, while half of the population in Maine was over the age of 44.6.
Smoking
Smoking is a leading cause of cancer, including lung cancer, bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, and esophageal cancer. Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are known to be harmful and at least 70 that are known to cause cancer.
Bangor has a higher rate of smoking than the state average. In 2019, the adult smoking rate in Bangor was 18.2%, compared to the state average of 16.5%. This means that nearly one in five adults in Bangor smoke cigarettes, compared to one in six adults in Maine.
In addition to smoking, there are a number of other factors that may contribute to the higher cancer rates in Bangor, including:
- Environmental exposures: Bangor is located near a number of industrial facilities that emit pollutants into the air and water. These pollutants can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer and bladder cancer.
- Diet and nutrition: People who eat a diet that is high in processed foods and sugary drinks are at increased risk for developing certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer and breast cancer.
- Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for a number of types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and endometrial cancer. Bangor has a higher rate of obesity than the state average. In 2019, the obesity rate in Bangor was 31.7%, compared to the state average of 29.4%.
- Lack of access to healthcare: People who do not have access to regular healthcare screenings are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a later stage, when it is more difficult to treat. Bangor has a higher rate of uninsured residents than the state average. In 2019, the uninsured rate in Bangor was 8.2%, compared to the state average of 7.0%.
It is important to note that cancer is a complex disease with multiple causes. There is no single factor that explains why cancer rates are higher in Bangor than in other parts of Maine. However, the factors listed above are all known to contribute to the risk of developing cancer.
Also Read:
- This is the City with the Lowest Education Level in Florida
- This Florida city is one of the Most Termite-Infested in the US
- This city has the Highest Crime Rate in Indiana
