The city of Roswell is located in the southeastern region of New Mexico. Chaves County’s county seat is located here. The annual UFO Festival in Roswell celebrates the supposed UFO sightings that took place in the city in 1947.
Roswell has the highest cancer rates of any city in New Mexico. The New Mexico Cancer Control Program reports that Roswell has an age-adjusted cancer incidence rate of 469.6 cases per 100,000 persons. This indicates that each year, 469.6 out of every 100,000 people living in Roswell are diagnosed with cancer.
The high rates of cancer in Roswell may be due to a variety of factors. Smoking is one of the factors. In Roswell, the percentage of people who smoke is greater than the national average. Smoking is a major risk factor for cancer, accounting for around 30% of all cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Obesity is another factor that contributes to the high prevalence of cancer in Roswell. In Roswell, the rate of obesity is greater than the national average. Being obese is linked to a higher chance of developing numerous types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and endometrial cancer.
The high cancer rates in Roswell may be influenced by environmental factors. Roswell is situated in an area that has a long history of mining and other industries that have caused pollution in the environment. Being exposed to environmental toxins may raise the chances of developing cancer.
The high cancer rates in Roswell may be because people do not have access to healthcare. Roswell is a rural city that has a small number of healthcare providers. This can make it challenging for individuals to obtain the cancer screenings and treatments that they require.
The Following Are the Reasons for the High Cancer Rates in Roswell, New Mexico:
- Smoking rates: Roswell has a higher smoking rate than the national average. Smoking is a major risk factor for cancer, accounting for around 30% of all cancer-related deaths in the United States.
- Obesity rates: The obesity rate in Roswell is likewise greater than the national average. Being obese is linked to a higher chance of developing numerous types of cancer, including as breast cancer, colon cancer, and endometrial cancer.
- Environmental exposures: Roswell is situated in an area that has a long history of mining and other businesses that have contaminated the environment. Being exposed to environmental toxins may raise the chances of developing cancer.
- Roswell is a rural city with a small number of healthcare providers, which means that there is not enough access to healthcare. This can make it challenging for individuals to obtain the cancer screenings and treatments that they require.
What Actions Are Being Taken to Deal With the High Rates of Cancer in Roswell, New Mexico?
The Chaves County Cancer Coalition is making efforts to tackle the high incidence of cancer in Roswell. The group offers educational and outreach initiatives that focus on preventing cancer and screening for the disease. The alliance is also working to make cancer care more accessible in Roswell.
Additional initiatives aimed at addressing the elevated cancer rates in Roswell include:
- Increasing Access to Medicaid: The Affordable Care Act has made it easier for people in Roswell to get healthcare by expanding access to Medicaid.
- Investing in cancer prevention initiatives: The Chaves County Cancer Coalition and other organizations are trying to invest in cancer prevention programs, such as smoking cessation programs and healthy eating programs.
- The Environmental Protection Agency is attempting to address environmental hazards in Roswell. The Environmental Protection Agency has cleaned up some polluted areas and is striving to lower air pollution in the city.
Conclusion:
In Roswell, New Mexico, the high incidence of cancer is a significant issue for public health. Although the Chaves County Cancer Coalition and other organizations are striving to solve this issue, more has to be done. We must keep working to make healthcare more accessible, put money into cancer prevention programs, and deal with environmental hazards.
In addition to the initiatives mentioned above, it is also vital to create awareness about the high cancer rates in Roswell. A lot of people do not know the hazards they are facing, which can result in diagnoses being made too late and worse consequences. We must inform people about how to prevent cancer and the importance of screening for it, as well as ensure that they can receive the medical care they require.
New Mexico City Has Been Named the Highest Cancer Rates(Website)
