‘Rurality’ a risk factor for death from cancer

The huge disparity in cancer outcomes in rural Colorado is so pronounced that the National Institutes of Health lists “rurality” as a risk factor for death from the disease. 

Because of that, the University of Colorado Cancer Center has been granted funding to look into why there is such a gap and to help create a strategy to inform and increase awareness in these communities. 

Sedgwick County has been identified as one of those communities that is experiencing a disparity in the stage of onset diagnosis and survivability of known curable cancers.  

Preventive care and screenings are an integral part of turning the numbers around, saving more lives and improving overall health. 

Monitoring your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol annually can reduce the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Routine screenings can help identify illnesses earlier, manage them more effectively and treat them before they become more complicated conditions. In most cases, early detection will make services and treatment more affordable. 

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