Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- A new
American Cancer Society study shows New York has a higher cancer rate than the entire nation as a whole.
Much of Central New York, including Onondaga, Cortland and Oswego County have more cancer cases and deaths than any other part of the state.
The American Cancer Society says one of the most common cancers in CNY is also the most preventable.
One in two men, and one in three women in NY will battle cancer; according to the study about a third of them will die.
“You should be concerned when you think that two-thirds of all cancers can be prevented. We already know how to do that, yet we’re still not doing that,” said Lisa Smith with the American Cancer Society.
The most common cancer in Central New York is lung cancer. So stopping it, starts with quitting. It’s no coincidence that where you have smokers, you have more cancer and it’s found in rural, poor counties, including: Cayuga, Madison and Oswego. The American Cancer Society says we need more funding to help people quit.
Prostate, breast and colorectal cancer are also part of the cancer epidemic in CNY.
“When you look at Onondaga County by itself, 52 people are diagnosed with cancer per week, 19 people died per week…we have so much work to do,” said Smith.
Even though there is a lot of cancer in New York, the death rate is lower compared to other parts of the state.
The study recommends better access to health care and screenings. The study says many people also need better health insurance coverage because a cancer diagnosis can easily bankrupt a middle class family.
On the web –
Full report: Cancer cases among county
