A study conducted by Dr. Raghav Bassi, chief internal medicine resident at UCF-HCA Healthcare in Gainesville, Florida. The study reveals a correlation between obesity rates and colon cancer incidences in the United States, particularly in southern states.
Summary of the Article:
Study Findings: The research analyzed data from 289,196 HCA colon cancer patients across the nation. It found that those living in southern states had a higher incidence of colon cancer compared to those in midwestern or northeastern states.
Obesity and Colon Cancer Link: The states with the highest incidences of colon cancer also had the highest obesity rates. This correlation is alarming, especially considering predictions that by 2030, 50% of the U.S. population may be obese.
Exception to the Trend: Colorado, despite having among the lowest obesity rates, leads the nation in colon cancer rates. Mississippi and Missouri follow, with Mississippi having the second-highest obesity rate in the nation at 37.3%.
Recognition: Dr. Bassi’s research was honored with the presidential award from the American College of Gastroenterology.