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Underwood: Clay County has high rate of cancer compared to other communities
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| By: Ned Valentine, Dispatch Editor |
November 09, 2009 |
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Clay County has a higher rate of cancer than other communities our size, but no one knows for sure why, according to Linda Underwood, head of the local American Cancer Society chapter.
"We have a very high ratio of cancer compared to other communities," Underwood told those gathered at Wednesday's Chamber coffee forum.
She didn't give specific statistics.
"There is a lot of speculation as to why," Underwood said. "Some people think it's the water. Some people think its the chemicals."
She said some believe the community was exposed to agent orange by a plane passing over a generation ago.
"You hear all kinds of stories, but as far as actual facts...I don't know," Underwood said.
Statistics from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are mixed. Clay County shows an elevated rate of cancer above peer communities and the state at large for colo-rectal and lung cancers in particular.
The statistics for 1996-97 show a colo-rectal case rate of 55.3 per 100,000 (17 cases) compared with 45.7 for peer communities and 41.7 for the state at large. Lung and bronchus cancers were reported at a rate of 65.7 (19 cases) locally compared with 46.3 for peers and 49.3 for Kansas at large.
Clay County women showed a lower than average rate of breast cancer. And when adjusted for age, Clay County males show a slightly lower incidence of prostate cancer.
Underwood said she has heard that many don't think cancer research is making progress - that a cure won't be found.
"In my heart, I do not believe that," Underwood said.
She cited an example of a local brain cancer patient who benefitted from improved technology. "Before when we had radiation it affected a lot of organs. Now we can control the treatment into a certain area. It's expensive but it works," she said.
She said great strides have been made in the treatment of colon cancer. She said lung and pancreatic cancer are the hardest to diagnose and treat and the easiest are breast and prostate cancers, the most common cancers reported.
Underwood, a Post Office employee, said the Clay Center Post Office is offering special 55-cent breast cancer stamps. Eleven cents of the stamp's cost goes to fight breast cancer.
"We have 800 stamps to sell in Clay Center," Underwood said. "The postmaster has stated if we can sell them all, he'll have his head shaved."
The local chapter has sponsored Relay for Life as a primary fund-raiser for 16 years, she said.
She said the ACS Web site cancer.org contains information about cancer and cancer research as well as provides a way for donations. The organization funds research, education and prevention programs, patient services and advocacy on cancer issues.
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©Clay Center Dispatch 2010
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Dan Jackson |
Nov, 11 2009 |
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All eight Jackson children were born and raised in Clay Center. Five died from cancer. One, myself, is a cancer survivor. That is six out of eight, cancer. My guess: its the water.
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Judy Renton |
Nov, 09 2009 |
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This went straight to my heart hearing about the cancer in claycenter. I too am fighting for my life at this time yes lung cancer. So many times i cried wanting to give up the fight. Than i see my sons eyes as he is hurting to over the thought of ever losing his mom. Today i keep my spirits up & pray for all those going through the same fight always tell yourselves we are not only fighting for ourselves but also those we love. I wish i could hug each & everyone of you. as for the post master shaving his hair too. WHERE DO WE BUY THE STAMPS. He can't have the title of cojack for i was already giving that title big hugs to you all. keep your spirits high.
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