These numbers are tragic. Unfortunately, men in Rhode Island, like men all over the USA, are reluctant to go to a doctor at any time, let alone for an annual checkup. In reality, most of the cancers that are so deadly in Rhode Island can either be prevented or detected early with a much better chance of being cured. The use of tobacco, smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco, remains the leading preventable cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The highest cause of death from cancer in Rhode Island is from lung cancer.
Tobacco also contributes to the development of bladder cancer.
Many of our older population worked in industries where chemicals and dyes were used and as a consequence were exposed to cancer-producing agents. Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, can be prevented by avoiding ultraviolet light exposure. This is a preventable disease. Every man over the age of 50 should have regular tests for colorectal cancer. By finding polyps in the colon, the probability of developing a cancer is greatly reduced.