In a recent study, an official US map has highlighted the biggest cancer hotspots across the country, focusing on the South and Midwest regions. The map, based on the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals that the cancer mortality rate is highest in Mississippi, with 985 deaths per 100,000 people.

The top five states with the highest cancer mortality rates are predominantly from the southern region. Following Mississippi, West Virginia ranks second with 966.4 deaths per 100,000 residents. Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee round out the top five, all experiencing high rates of cancer deaths.

These findings align with a report from the American Cancer Society, which states that around 44 percent of cancer deaths in the United States can be attributed to lifestyle behaviors that individuals engage in throughout their lives. Factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of regular exercise contribute to the increased cancer mortality rates observed in these states.

Experts have pointed out that a lack of preventive screenings, particularly in rural areas, combined with a statewide lack of exercise, might be responsible for Mississippi's high cancer mortality rate. Similarly, high obesity rates have been linked to West Virginia's second-place ranking.

On the other end of the spectrum, Hawaii boasts the lowest cancer death incidence, with 573.9 cases per 100,000 residents. Experts suggest that factors such as low rates of obesity and smoking contribute to this lower incidence of cancer-related deaths.

The release of this official US map comes in the wake of a groundbreaking report from the American Cancer Society, revealing that almost half of all cancer deaths in the country could be preventable through changes in lifestyle habits. These habits include avoiding smoking, reducing red meat consumption, maintaining physical activity, and protecting oneself from excessive sun exposure.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that nearly 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year, with over 600,000 succumbing to the disease. Lung and bronchus cancer are predicted to be the leading causes of death, followed closely by colorectal cancer, which has seen a concerning rise among young Americans.

Further analysis of the CDC's data reveals that the majority of cancer deaths in Mississippi are attributed to lung and bronchus cancer, with lung cancer deaths exceeding the national average by 30 percent. The prevalence of smoking in the state, with 17 percent of adults being smokers compared to the national average of 14 percent, may play a significant role in these statistics.

Health departments in both Mississippi and West Virginia acknowledge that a lack of regular screening tests for cancer and lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical inactivity, contribute to the high rates of cancer deaths in their respective states. For instance, Mississippi ranks as the fifth-most obese state, with experts noting that excess body fat can increase the risk of cancer due to hormonal and inflammatory changes.

In West Virginia, high smoking rates and limited access to preventive screenings are believed to contribute to the state's second-place ranking in cancer mortality rates. Over one in four adults in West Virginia smoke cigarettes, and the state has the highest obesity rate in the country, with 41 percent of adults having a BMI over 30.

The NCI's data highlights Hawaii as having the fewest cancer deaths between 2016 and 2020, with 573.9 cases per 100,000 residents. A study by the Commonwealth Fund ranked Hawaii as having the highest state health care system performance, indicating that the state's emphasis on regular screenings may contribute to catching cancer cases early. Furthermore, Hawaii has the second lowest obesity rate and is regarded as one of the healthiest states in the nation.

The release of the official US cancer hotspot map underscores the importance of addressing lifestyle factors and promoting preventive measures to reduce the burden of cancer across the country. Efforts to increase awareness, improve access to screenings, and encourage healthier lifestyles are crucial in curbing these alarming trends.

As the National Cancer Institute's estimates for this year anticipate a significant number of new cancer diagnoses and deaths, it is imperative that individuals and communities take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of cancer through healthy behaviors and regular screenings.