Western Reader
Breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, has been meticulously mapped across the United States in a groundbreaking study by researchers at George Mason University in Virginia.
The study reveals a startling disparity in mortality rates from county to county, painting a grim picture of America’s battle against this silent killer.
The research team used federal data to examine breast cancer deaths in over 2,000 counties, uncovering significant variations in mortality rates.
For instance, in Okanogan County, the death rate falls between 33 and 57 per 100,000 people, while in Douglas County directly south, the rate is significantly lower, ranging from nine to 17 per 100,000. This stark contrast underscores the influence of geographical location on health outcomes.
The study also highlighted the role of various factors contributing to fatal breast cancer cases.
Obesity was found to be influential in all counties examined, with southeastern US counties showing marginally higher coefficient rates. This suggests that obesity rates have a slightly higher impact on breast cancer deaths in these areas.
Access to preventative measures such as mammograms was universally influential, but the relationship between access to mammograms and breast cancer deaths was strongest in eastern states.
In fact, the map shows pockets in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Kentucky where the relationship between the two is stronger than the region overall.
Interestingly, the study revealed that the availability of nutritious food had a significant impact on breast cancer death rates.
Counties in the south and east, represented by shades of yellow and orange on the map, showed a strong association between access to nutritious food and breast cancer death rates.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The study also highlights the progress made in the fight against breast cancer. Death rates plummeted 43 percent between 1989 and 2020, thanks to successful public health awareness campaigns, better screening, and new drugs.
Despite these advancements, the study underscores the need for more comprehensive and geographically targeted interventions. The researchers argue such strategies could lead to healthier communities and further reduce the death toll from this devastating disease.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking study serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against breast cancer. It highlights the importance of geographical location, access to healthcare services, and lifestyle factors in determining health outcomes.
This article appeared in StatesmanPost and has been published here with permission.
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