The use of tobacco products is the major contributing factor to one-third of all cancer cases, Hyland said. Lung cancer among women has increased steadily over the past two decades, growing from a rate of about 26 cases per 100,000 women in 1980 to 42 cases per 100,000 by 1995, the registry shows. That rise is linked to social trends 30 years ago, when it became more acceptable for women to smoke, Hyland said. Smokers often are twice as likely to develop other kinds of cancers than nonsmokers, and smoking is more common among blue-collar and rural populations such as that in the Southern Tier, studies have shown. Lifestyle also plays an important role in determining whether a person will develop cancer, Pospisil said, citing factors such as alcohol use and failure to eat enough high-fiber foods.
Cancer is also more common among senior citizens.
About 16 percent of Chemung County's population is 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, compared with about 13 percent statewide. Send questions or comments to Webmaster .