Cancer Mortality Research Paper

The paper will focus on investigating the reasons why there is still high cancer mortality in Appalachia. A number of sources indicate that that there is a lot of tobacco smoking in Appalachia. Tar, which is found in tobacco, is a carcinogen that causes cancer. Smokers not only endanger themselves but they make passive smokers prone to lung cancer too. Smoking has always been known as the major cause of lung cancer however, in Appalachia, it is only one of the many factors that contribute to the high cancer deaths. Regardless of the fact that coal mining occurs in Appalachia, the region remains as one of the poorest sections in the country. Appalachian residents are exposed to contaminated air from the smoke that is emitted during mountaintop removal. During mountaintop removal, they use explosives and massive machines to remove the soil and rocks that lie above the coal layers. This type of mining is considered less expensive since little labor is needed, but considering the damages that come with it, it is turns out to be the least ideal method of coal extraction. It emits a lot of smoke and carcinogens that pollute the air …show more content…
Studies depict that the reason this type of cancer is prevalent is because of the behavioral and cultural values the Appalachian residents hold. In Eastern Kentucky, women lack education which makes it difficult for them to identify some of the early symptoms of cervical cancer. Economic constraints pose as yet another factor. Appalachians live in poverty and can barely afford medical check-ups or mere trips to the hospitals. Statistics were conducted and it was discovered that some women do not know about the Pap test and most of those who actually know about it, have never taken it. The Pap smear/test, helps detect cervical cancer at its early stages. Therefore, the high cancer mortality rates in Appalachia is due to tobacco smoking, poverty and mountaintop