While cancer deaths have declined about 20 percent nationwide since 1980, former Congressman and Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky CEO, Ben Chandler says cancer deaths in Trigg County have remained about the same. Chandler made the comments at the Cadiz Rotary Club meeting Tuesday as he discussed reducing the smoking rate and cancer deaths, and improving overall health in the state and in Trigg County.
He says the overall health in Kentucky is not good, especially when comes to the cancer rate, noting that Kentucky is the cancer capital of the nation.
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He notes adds cancer rates in Trigg County, at 193 deaths per 100,000 people, are 16 percent higher than the national average.He says the state also has the highest smoking rate in the country.
Chandler notes the youth smoking rate is 79 percent above the national average. He says one of the biggest concerns is e-cigarettes.
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In addition, he says the smoking rate among pregnant women in Trigg County is above the national average.
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And Chandler adds premature deaths in Trigg County are significantly higher than the national average.Chandler also talked with Rotarians about policy measures that are proven to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. He says the Foundation’s mission is to address the unmet health needs of Kentuckians by developing and influencing policy, improving access to care, reducing health risks and disparities, and promoting health equity.
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