In the U.S., some states have higher cancer rates than others. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2021, Kentucky reports 509.9 new cases of cancer per 100,000 people annually. Louisiana and Arkansas follow in second and third place, respectively. Delving deeper, Lawrence County in Arkansas emerges as a county with one of the nation’s highest cancer rates, showing an incidence rate of 594.1 per 100,000 people.
The elevated rate in Lawrence County is linked to a mix of environmental factors and lifestyle choices. Consequently, Arkansas experiences one of the highest mortality rates in the U.S., with Lawrence County’s rate on the rise, according to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. “We know that ZIP code matters,” Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, explained to CNN regarding death rate disparities across states. “Educational attainment, access to and utilization of resources like tobacco, physical inactivity, nutrition, and access to grocery stores all matter at the county and local levels.”
Lawrence County residents don’t have the healthiest lifestyles
Smoking is a significant cancer-causing habit, and Arkansas has a high smoking rate. While West Virginia leads with a 21% smoking rate, Arkansas follows closely with 18.7%, as reported by the American Lung Association. In Lawrence County, 22% of the population smokes, exceeding the state average, according to Aspire Arkansas. The CDC notes that only 11.6% of U.S. adults smoke, highlighting Lawrence County’s higher rate, which supports the cigarette industry.
Arkansas also ranks third in the U.S. for obesity. Although Arkansas County leads with a 73% obesity rate, Lawrence County is close with 69%, as stated by Aspire Arkansas. Arkansas also tops the list for food insecurity, with 18.9% lacking access to quality food, exacerbating the obesity issue.
Additionally, 17.5% of Arkansas residents engage in regular binge drinking, according to the CDC. These lifestyle choices, all linked to cancer risk per the World Health Organization, help explain the high cancer rates in Lawrence County and Arkansas. Additionally, Arkansas ranks fourth in the U.S. for heart disease, with a rate of 224.1 per 100,000 people, according to Statista.
Environmental factors also play a role in Lawrence County’s cancer rates
While lifestyle changes are possible, environmental factors in Lawrence County are challenging. According to Newsweek, Arkansas ranks 34th in healthcare accessibility among U.S. states. There are just 3.13 beds per 1,000 residents, and 12.8% delay medical visits due to high healthcare costs.
Pollutants and toxins also contribute to cancer rates in Arkansas. “Our state is an agricultural state,” said Dr. Sam Makhoul, CARTI’s medical director of clinical research, to KNOE News. “We used many pesticides and chemicals in the past. Over time, they’ve leached into water and food systems.”
Lawrence County has faced water contamination as well. A 2011 Public Health Assessment report found arsenic and other toxic metals in water and soil. Although linked to Frit Industries, the report indicates smoking rates in Arkansas make it difficult to conclusively attribute increased cancer rates to contamination.
How to reduce your risk of cancer if you live in Lawrence County
Quitting smoking is a top priority (here’s how to manage nicotine withdrawal). In Arkansas, 36.1% of deaths are due to smoking-related cancer, according to KY3. With 22% of Lawrence County residents smoking, it’s a concerning statistic. Incorporating more whole, less processed foods into your diet and increasing physical activity can also help combat obesity.
While some environmental factors, like limited healthcare access, can’t be changed, staying healthy and monitoring your well-being are crucial steps. For example, drinking bottled water can reduce the risk of ingesting contaminated water in Lawrence County.
It’s important to understand that individuals can avoid becoming statistics by making lifestyle changes. Although challenging, reducing “bad” elements in your life can help you surpass Lawrence County’s mortality rate and enjoy a long, healthy life.
