Why Does the US Have Such High Rates of Cancer?

chillibreeze writer — Jyoti Nayak

Think United States and you think of the splendor of Statue of Liberty, the White House, Wall Street, and mouth-watering burgers, Cola, and yummy breads. Apart from being a financial superpower, the United States has influenced the world with its distinct culture. America and American culture have always attracted medical researchers and there are lots of surveys to find out the effects of US lifestyle on health.

Recently, an annual health survey carried by the American Health Association (AHA) has shown that incidence of cancer is on the high in the US and that it is second biggest killer in the country next to heart disease. The statistical report on cancer incidence and mortality by the American Cancer Society estimates an annual incidence of 40,000 cases or more for 2010. The most common forms of cancer in the US are bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, pyloric cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer. In case of children, Americans show high incidences of Leukaemia and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Advanced medical technology may have helped in early detection and prompt treatment of cancer in the US but it is curious why cancer is so prevalent in the US. Perhaps the answer lies in the World Cancer Report. This is a collective data which analyzes the probable causes of the increasing cancer related deaths worldwide. According to this report, the major factors are:

Diet and Nutrition: American food culture is synonymous with processed, convenience and fast foods. The average diet is high in salt, fats, refined carbohydrates and animal proteins. The food lacks in wholesome cereal, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Caffeinated and carbonated drinks are preferred to wholesome fruit juices and milk. The increasing amount of artificial food flavors, food colors, and preservatives used in cooking are known to have a carcinogenic effect on the body. Lack of dietary fiber in food has also increased the risk of colorectal cancer.
Obesity and Exercise: It is estimated that about 60% of Americans are obese. Consumption of high calorie food coupled with lack of physical exertion and exercise are the major causes. Being overweight affects the energy balance and is known to increase the risk of cancers of uterine endometrium, kidney and gall bladder.
High smoking prevalence: Tobacco consumption is one of most avoidable cancer risk factor. The prevalence of smoking is high in America increasing the risk of lung cancer, bronchial carcinoma, oral cancer and nasal cancer. Besides, involuntary or passive smoking increases cancer risk by 20%.
Urbanization and Industrialization: America is the world most industrial and urbanized country. The increasing amount of pollutants in form of smoke, suspended particulate matter, poisonous gases like carbon monoxide, and sulfur are known to have carcinogenic effects on blood and respiratory system.
Complexion: The amount of melanin in the skin is less for Caucasians. This is turn makes them prone to skin cancer. Melanin acts as barrier against harmful UV rays of the sun that are known to increase the risk of skin cancers.
Stressful Lifestyle: A recent survey done by APA (American Psychology Association) has shown an increasing level of stress and stress-related disorders in America. Americans are known to have financial stress and they are prone to have disturbed emotional health due to being single, dysfunctional family environment, and materialistic lifestyle. Stress is a known silent killer. It affects the nutrition and immunity and also increases the release of free radicals in the body, thus increasing the propensity to develop cancers.

In US, cancer is indeed a lifestyle related disease. Increasing awareness and corrective steps coupled with regular screening can help in controlling the incidence of cancer.

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Chillibreeze's disclaimer: This is a contributed article and was published on Chillibreeze in October, 2010. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article. The relevance of the facts and figures cited (if any) could change after a period of time.

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