Rural States
One-fifth of the US population resides in rural areas, but only one-tenth of all physicians practice in rural areas. This raises an issue in access to healthcare, especially cancer care.
Rural areas have higher rates of mortality and negative treatment outcomes for cancer, which could be due to poorer water, increased carcinogens, and obesity. On top of that, rural areas also tend to have lower education, lower income levels, and a lack of cultural trust in doctors.
This is problematic not only for community health, but also problematic for advancement towards cancer treatment. 20% of clinical trials fail due to lack of patient participation.
The US is a country with no free healthcare. Insurance is of great importance for patients. However, insurance often doesn't cover for everything. Insurance only covers for what they deem as necessary. This further deters patients from seeking professional help.
For example, cancer screenings are said to be covered by Medicare and Medicaid, but only if the individuals match eligible requirements. However, Medicare only covers for a few tests, not all. With how many different types of cancer there are, all types of tests should be covered for. But it isn't.
The US is also a country known for heavily processed food and a rising obesity problem. Companies market larger portion sizes for lower prices, enticing consumers to consume a surplus of calories. Many individuals are oblivious to reading nutritional labels, companies know this and take advantage of that.
Individuals are also unaware of their own body's needs. So, here is how to calculate. Though, this should depend more on the individual and their goals rather than following a calculation.
Eating protein early in the day is best since it digests the slowest. Carbs are best during active points like working out.
Technological advancements have also reduced physical activity, making a sedentary lifestyle. Unsurprisingly, this makes obesity a leading cause of death in the US. Not only being a risk for cancer but also cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and strokes.
Schools should teach students what nutrition is at a very early age to prevent bad habits in the future. Instead, schools might be a contributor to bad habits by offering sugary drinks and highly processed snacks in K–12th grades. 1 in 5 kids have obesity. Meaning that approximately 14.7 million youths aged 2-19 have obesity.
Overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults. Overweight parents are more likely to have overweight children.
The US has high sun exposure, especially in southern states. And with the trend of tanning, sun protection isn't as promoted as in other countries. High exposure to UV rays damages DNA, signaling for the skin to produce more melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment in tans that aids in absorbing harmful rays. Essentially, tanning is skin damage and can lead cells to mutate if there is an over-exposure.