Cancer poses a significant public health challenge in the United States, impacting millions of individuals annually. As per data from the American Cancer Society, 2020 witnessed an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases and 608,570 cancer-related deaths.
However, cancer incidence rates exhibit considerable regional disparities across the country, contingent on a multitude of factors, encompassing demographics, lifestyle, environmental exposure, and healthcare accessibility.
In this article, we delve into the cancer landscape in Nebraska, a Midwestern state with a population of around 1.9 million people. Our focus also extends to identifying the city within Nebraska that reports the highest incidence of cancer, utilizing the latest information sourced from the Nebraska Cancer Registry.
Cancer Incidence in Nebraska
According to the National Cancer Institute’s State Cancer Profiles, the age-adjusted incidence rate for all cancer types in Nebraska stood at 459.1 per 100,000 individuals during the 2016-2020 period. This rate slightly exceeded the national average of 442.3 per 100,000. The age-adjusted incidence rate is a vital measure that facilitates equitable comparisons among diverse demographic groups, accounting for variations in age distribution.
Prominent cancer types in Nebraska, based on new diagnoses in 2019, included breast cancer (1,670 cases), lung and bronchus cancer (1,590 cases), prostate cancer (1,280 cases), colon and rectum cancer (1,050 cases), and melanoma of the skin (790 cases).
The most fatal cancers in Nebraska, based on 2019 mortality figures, encompassed lung and bronchus cancer (1,210 deaths), colon and rectum cancer (380 deaths), breast cancer (310 deaths), pancreas cancer (270 deaths), and prostate cancer (240 deaths).
Cancer incidence in Nebraska further exhibits disparities among different racial and ethnic groups. The age-adjusted incidence rate for all cancer types in Nebraska during 2016-2020 was 462.9 per 100,000 for white non-Hispanic individuals, slightly surpassing the national rate of 461.9 per 100,000.
In contrast, the rate for black or African American individuals was significantly lower, at 370.8 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 444.1 per 100,000. Similarly, Hispanic or Latino individuals reported a lower incidence rate of 339.2 per 100,000, as opposed to the national rate of 372.7 per 100,000.
Highest Cancer Rates in Nebraska: Douglas County
Among Nebraska’s 93 counties, Douglas County emerges as the region with the highest cancer rates. Douglas County, which encompasses the city of Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city, recorded an age-adjusted incidence rate of 510.8 per 100,000 during the 2016-2020 period. This rate significantly exceeded the state average of 459.1 per 100,000 and the national average of 442.3 per 100,000.
Predominant cancer types in Douglas County, based on 2019 data, included breast cancer (540 cases), lung and bronchus cancer (500 cases), prostate cancer (400 cases), colon and rectum cancer (320 cases), and melanoma of the skin (240 cases). The deadliest cancers in Douglas County, based on 2019 mortality, encompassed lung and bronchus cancer (390 deaths), colon and rectum cancer (110 deaths), breast cancer (100 deaths), pancreas cancer (90 deaths), and liver and bile duct cancer (80 deaths).
Cancer incidence within Douglas County also manifests variations among racial and ethnic groups. During 2016-2020, the age-adjusted incidence rate for all cancer types was 521.9 per 100,000 for white non-Hispanic individuals, surpassing the state and national rates. For black or African American individuals, the rate was 431.9 per 100,000, higher than the state rate but lower than the national rate. Hispanic or Latino individuals reported an incidence rate of 368.9 per 100,000, exceeding the state rate and falling below the national rate.
In Conclusion
Cancer is a complex ailment influenced by an array of factors, rendering its impact unique among individuals and regions. Nebraska exhibits a slightly higher cancer rate compared to the national average, with Douglas County registering the highest rates within the state. The underlying causes of these disparities remain multifaceted and necessitate further research to unravel genetic, environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic contributors.
As research progresses, it is imperative to adopt healthy practices, including abstaining from tobacco, moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, safeguarding against sun exposure, pursuing regular screenings, and adhering to medical counsel to mitigate the risk of cancer.