Last updated: May 16, 2022
Cancer is a disease that affects the lives of many people in Anne Arundel County and it is the leading cause of death among county residents. Cancer has been on the decline for several years in Anne Arundel County. Every year, over 2,500 Anne Arundel County residents are diagnosed with cancer. Seven main cancers are targeted by Maryland Department of Health because they have the most significant impact on incidence and mortality. There are strategies that exist for prevention and early detection of these cancers.
Cancer Morbidity Rates
Figure 1 shows the average incidence rates of seven targeted cancer types, as selected by the Maryland Department of Health, from 2010 through 2014.
The incidence of cancer has decreased in Anne Arundel County, however, the rate of several cancers remained higher than the state average in that 5-year period (Figure 1).
Cancer Mortality Rates
Cancer death rates have decreased over the past 10 years, and except for lung cancer, the Anne Arundel County rates are similar to Maryland rates. Figure 2 shows the average cancer mortality rates by type, in Anne Arundel County from 2010 to 2014.
Cancer Prevention
You can reduce your risk of getting cancers in a variety of ways, including:
- Maintain a healthy weight through healthy eating.
- Limit alcohol.
- Be physically active.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Protect your skin from the sun.
- Get regular cancer screenings by your health care provider.
Key Terms (CDC)
Incidence: A measure of the frequency with which new cases of illness, injury or health condition occur among a population during a specified period.
Incidence rate: A measure of the frequency with which new cases of illness, injury or health condition occur, expressed explicitly per a time frame.
Mortality: Death.
Mortality rate: A measure of the frequency of occurrence of death in a defined population during a specified interval of time.
Morbidity: Disease.
Morbidity rate: A measure of the frequency of occurrence of disease in a defined population during a specified interval of time.
More Information
Anne Arundel County Department of Health Community Health Report Card