Missoula Measures - Cancer
Why this topic?
Cancer accounts for one out of every five deaths in the United States. It is not one disease, but a constellation of more than 100 different diseases, each characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer may strike at any age, though it does so more frequently with advancing age. Research has demonstrated that many cancers can be prevented or, if detected and treated at early stages, cured.
How are we doing?
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Missoula County followed by prostate cancer—probably due to increased accessibility to more sensitive testing for each of these. Lung cancer runs a close third.
For most cancers, Missoula County rates for both diagnoses and deaths run lower than the U. S. average. However deaths from lung cancer are almost double those for any other neoplasm site for both Missoula County and Montana.
Missoula’s population has experienced rapid expansion through in-migration. In analyzing the above cancer data, therefore, consideration must be given to the many unknowns regarding the background of current residents, especially as regards environmental risk factors for cancer. Also, cancer oncologists in Missoula believe there is still underreporting both in Missoula and statewide, making comparisons with other communities suspect.
Indicator
More data
Montana Central Tumor Registry, MDPHHS, Vital Statistics.
In Montana between 2003-2007, melanoma was the 10th leading cause of cancer deaths and the 7th most common type of cancer.
Related Measures
Related Websites
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Vital Statistics
Montana Tumor Registry - info on many types of cancer
Montana Cancer Control Program
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Center for Disease Control: Cancer
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Healthy People 2020 - extensive background on national public health status of this topic and many others.
