Highest Cancer Rates in Colorado: What You Should Know

Thanks to all the fun Coloradans have outdoors, our state is often ranked one of the healthiest in the nation. However, a closer look, on a county-by-county basis, tells a much different story.

In the latest five-year data set, some of the small rural counties in Colorado are showing a higher cancer incidence rate. Keep scrolling for a look at which counties are in the state's top ten for the highest cancer rates.

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What Is a Cancer Incidence Rate?

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The cancer incidence rate figures out how many new cancer cases are diagnosed per 100,000 people during a given period. According to State Cancer Profiles, these rates are “age-adjusted,” meaning differences in age distribution are factored in so that counties can be compared fairly. In places with older populations, such as Mesa County, there are more cancer diagnoses. Age adjustment levels the playing field.

Why Some Colorado Counties Have Higher Rates

Colorado’s rural counties can experience higher incidence rates simply due to limited screening and limited healthcare, no matter what side of the mountains you live on. Environmental and occupational exposure to Colorado’s high UV radiation at Colorado’s elevation is at the heart of the state’s increased incidence of melanoma.

The Most Common Cancers in Colorado

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According to the state’s Cancer Coalition, Colorado’s most common cancers include breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and melanoma. ColoradoCancerInstitute.com reports the state’s higher elevation and increased UV exposure may factor into melanoma risk compared to the national average. Knowing which cancers are most common helps guide screening and prevention on the Western Slope.