Any of a wide range of illnesses marked by the growth of aberrant cells that divide uncontrollably and have the capacity to invade and destroy healthy bodily tissue are collectively referred to as cancers.
The second most common cause of mortality worldwide is cancer. However, due to advancements in cancer detection, therapy, and prevention, survival rates are rising for a wide range of cancer types.
In the US, one in three people will either develop cancer during their lifetime or pass away from it. Every year, about 20,000 new cases of aggressive cancer are reported in Oregon.
In the US, one in three people will either develop cancer during their lifetime or pass away from it. Every year, about 20,000 new cases of aggressive cancer are reported in Oregon. According to the Oregon Cancer Trends Report, Portland, Oregon, has the highest cancer incidence rate in the state, with an overall rate of 598.9 cases per 100,000 people. This is much higher than the state average of 549.6 cases per 100,000 people.
Cancer rates are influenced by a number of variables, including heredity, personal habits, and local groundwater and air pollution. High cancer rates in some areas disproportionately impact those who have social, economic, or environmental disadvantages, including access or impediments to early screening and care.
The incidence of cancer varies according on employment: Workers in the meat sector, rubber production, and agriculture had higher cancer rates.
For the first time, a notable cluster has been found as a result of the state’s inquiry into community complaints regarding harmful air pollution in North and Southeast Portland. In North Portland, between 1999 and 2003, doctors detected 12 cases of bladder cancer, more than twice as many as state experts had anticipated.
A multifaceted strategy combining health authority activities, public awareness campaigns, and individual actions is being used by Portland, Oregon, to combat the problem of rising cancer rates.
Key reasons which led cancer cases rise in Portland:
- Numerous industrial facilities, like aluminium smelters and paper mills, are located in Portland and generate pollutants that are known to raise the risk of cancer.
- There is a sizable working-class community in Portland, and this group bears an excessive cancer burden. This population is more likely to smoke, eat poorly, and be obese—all of which raise one’s risk of developing cancer.
- There are a lot of toxic waste dumps in the city that can leak dangerous chemicals into the air, water, and soil, which raises the risk of cancer.
- Portland’s soil is tainted with dangerous substances, such as lead, arsenic, and PCBs, which increase the chance of developing cancer.
- Air Pollution can be one of the most important factor in the rise of cancer case in Portland as it has the Poorest air quality.
Preventive Measures
- Select a fruit- and vegetable-rich diet. Choose lean proteins and healthful grains. Reduce the amount of processed meat you eat.
- Give up smoking. Don’t start if you don’t smoke. Not just lung cancer but a number of cancers are associated with smoking. Giving up now will lower your chance of developing cancer later on.
- Investing in consistent exercise not only boosts general health but also lowers the risk of some malignancies. On most days of the week, try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise.
- If you decide to consume alcohol, do so sparingly. This translates to up to one drink for women and up to two for men per day for healthy individuals.
- Discuss with your physician the best cancer screening tests for you based on your risk factors.
- Safer living circumstances can be promoted by individuals taking action to reduce their exposure to environmental pollutants in their surroundings.
- Your risk of cancer is increased by certain viruses. Immunizations may aid in the prevention of certain viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which raises the risk of cervical cancer and other malignancies, and hepatitis B, which raises the risk of liver cancer.
