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Oneida County Has Second Highest Cancer Rate in Wisconsin

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  February is National Cancer Prevention Month and according to the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System Oneida County has the second highest cancer rate in the state behind Vilas County.  Reports from 2008 to 2012 show Oneida County has an incidence rate of 514.4 per 100,000 people compared to the state rate of 459.5 per 100,000. Oneida County UW- Extenstion Family Living Educator Sarah Richie says she doesn't have an explanation for the alarmingly high numbers, but says nearly 75% of cancer deaths are caused by poor lifestyle choices such as obesity and tobacco use.  

“…it’s very important for people to talk to their doctors about when’s the right time to get a screening, what’s their family history, what are their chances of getting cancer, what should they be aware of, how is their health in general; do they eat healthy, do they exercise, are they maintaining a healthy weight; all those things can factor in.”  

Richie says although cancer can be hereditary, there are six cancers associated with obesity. She says limiting red and processed meats, preparing whole grain and protein meals, exercising for 30 minutes a day and maintaining a healthy weight will lower health risks.

For more information visit UW-Extension's website.

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