Why are Cancer Rates High in Upstate New York?

Wilmot Cancer Institute serves three million people across 27 counties in western and central New York. The region has excessive rates of cancer. In fact, if these 27 counties were a state, it would have the second highest incidence of cancer in the U.S. behind only Kentucky. 

While the incidence of cancer is high, that doesn't necessarily mean that living in this area puts a person at greater risk of cancer. Rather, the reasons for the high rates include: an aging population; more tobacco use, and sedentary lifestyles compared to state and national averages; and poverty and challenges to accessing health care in rural and urban areas. 

Wilmot Cancer Institute is the only center in the region equipped to study and reverse this disturbing trend. 

Supported by the National Cancer Institute, Wilmot has a Community Outreach and Engagement office to track cancer-related statistics in the region, work with communities, and ensure that researchers are addressing the needs. 

• An aggressive effort is underway to decrease tobacco use and boost cancer screenings for early detection, which can improve survival. Smoking is linked to at least 16 types of cancer, and thus a high smoking rate may explain more cancer here. 
• The population is older in western and central New York than the rest of the state and the nation. Since cancer is mostly a disease of aging, this may explain higher overall rates. Wilmot has a renowned geriatric oncology research program and clinical teams to address the complex issues that accompany a cancer diagnosis in older adults. 
• Wilmot researchers are exploring other potential drivers of cancer, such as pesticide use and toxins in the environment. 

What Can You Do? 

• Quitting smoking is the most important thing for better health. To get help, visit our program's website, call (585) 287-4539, or email quitcenter@urmc.rochester.edu. 
• People ages 50 and older who have been smoking for 20 years or more should talk to their physicians and consider screening for lung cancer, even with no symptoms or no family history. Screening can catch cancer early and increase the chances of successful treatment. Early detection for all cancers (for example, breast and colon) can improve outcomes. To learn more about the UR Medicine Lung Cancer Screening Program, call (877) 728-4543 or email ctlungscreening@urmc.rochester.edu.
• Exercise to control body weight. Simple and affordable activities include walking or jogging, yoga, or resistance training with bands and weights; research shows that exercise can improve health and reduce cancer risk. 

How Influential is Genetic or Inherited Risk? 

It predicts only about 10 percent of all cancer. 

For those who have first-degree relatives (mother, father, sisters, brothers, children) with cancer or family members with the same type of cancer, genetic counseling and testing may be appropriate. Wilmot offers genetic counseling services. To learn more, call (585) 486-0600. 

However, smoking and obesity predict more cancers than genetics do, which is why experts say the best strategy is to work on controllable risk factors associated with lifestyle and daily behaviors. 

Author: 

Leslie Orr