MADISON (WKOW) – Surprising facts about cancer deaths in Adams County have sparked a county-wide outreach effort to save lives.
A UW Carbone Cancer Center project looked at cancer-related needs in south-central Wisconsin. The study found the cancer death rate in Adams County is 25.3 percent higher than the state average.
The study included deaths from all types of cancer, and looked at demographic risk factors too. The numbers could be linked to cancer risk factors like smoking, obesity, use of preventative health services, and a lower household income.
"In Adams County, the assessment results opened the discussion about cancer as a public health issue, and our local partners agreed that it's time for a coordinated public education plan to improve cancer prevention, screening and survival rates," said UWCCC outreach specialist Rebecca Linskens.
The UWCCC and Adams County health organizations are developing a public education program, focused on basic cancer education, prevention and screening.
"In partnering with the UWCCC, we hope to make a long-term impact on the health and well-being of Adams County residents by addressing cancer and chronic- disease prevention," said Sarah Grosshuesch, Adams County Public Health Officer.
The project is funded by the National Cancer Institute's National Outreach Network and will include the development of a multi-county Rural Cancer Network made up of community stakeholders.
