Cancer is an important health problem in the United States, impacting millions each year. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be 1.9 million new cancer cases and 608,570 cancer-related deaths in 2020.
However, not all locations have the same cancer burden, since environmental exposure, lifestyle choices, economic status, access to treatment, and genetic predisposition all play a role in regional variations.
Illinois Cancer Statistics
Illinois is one of the most populated states, with an estimated 12.7 million citizens in 2020. Unfortunately, it also has higher cancer rates than the national norm. In 2020, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Cancer Registry reported 77,660 new cancer cases and 25,250 cancer-related fatalities.
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The age-adjusted incidence rate for all cancers was 459.7 per 100,000 people, higher than the national rate of 442.3. The age-adjusted mortality rate for all malignancies was 156.6 per 100,000, which exceeded the national average of 149.5 per 100,000.
The most prevalent malignancies diagnosed in Illinois in 2020 were breast (14,240 cases), lung and bronchus (12,910 cases), prostate (10,720 cases), colon and rectum (8,210 cases), and bladder (4,140 cases). In Illinois that year, the most common cancer-related fatalities were lung and bronchus (9,300), colon and rectum (2,820), pancreatic (2,280), breast (2,050), and liver and bile duct (1,720).
Cook County Has the Highest Cancer Rates in Illinois
Cook County, Illinois’ most populated county with an estimated 5.1 million persons in 2020, has the highest cancer rates in the state. The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Cancer Registry reported 30,610 new cancer cases and 10,040 cancer-related deaths in Cook County in 2020.
The age-adjusted incidence rate for all malignancies was 494.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, much higher than the state estimate of 459.7 per 100,000. The age-adjusted mortality rate for all malignancies was 162.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is much higher than the state estimate of 156.6 per 100,000.
Breast (5,560 instances) was the most prevalent cancer diagnosed in Cook County in 2020, followed by lung and bronchus (5,020 cases), prostate (4,020 cases), colon and rectum (3,200 cases), and bladder (1,620 cases). The top causes of cancer-related fatalities in Cook County that year were lung and bronchus (3,640), colon and rectum (980), pancreatic (880), breast (800), and liver and bile duct (680).
Why Does Cook County Have Such High Cancer Rates?
Cook County’s increased cancer rates relative to other counties in Illinois and the nation may be due to several reasons, including:
Environmental factors: Cook County is home to Chicago, a city noted for its industrial past and urban expansion, which may result in environmental pollution and carcinogen exposure such as asbestos, radon, lead, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Furthermore, many people live near major roads or airports, which increases their exposure to traffic-related air and noise pollution.
Lifestyle Factors: Cook County has a high smoking rate among adults (16.4%) and kids (10.9%). This is a major risk factor for lung and other cancers. Furthermore, a significant proportion of individuals in Cook County are obese (29.9%), physically sedentary (23.9%), or consume alcohol excessively (19.4%), all of which are associated with an increased risk of different malignancies.
Socioeconomic Factors: Cook County has high income disparity and poverty rates, which limit access to healthcare and preventative services like cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Racial and ethnic variety within the county may also influence disparities in genetic vulnerability, cultural attitudes, and health practices.
Healthcare Factors: A sizable proportion of Cook County citizens lack health insurance or have insufficient coverage, making it difficult to obtain proper healthcare and cancer treatment. There is also a paucity of general care physicians and oncologists, impeding cancer prevention and treatment efforts.
Conclusion
Cook County, Illinois, has higher cancer rates than the national average, and environmental causes, lifestyle choices, socioeconomic inequities, and healthcare issues all contribute to this burden. The county’s industrial history, environmental exposure, smoking rates, and economic inequities are all possible causes. Addressing these concerns is critical to enhancing cancer prevention, detection, and treatment in Cook County.