According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cancer is the second leading cause of death In the United States. However, not every region is the same -is affected. Nationally, cancer levels vary based on a variety of factors, including access to healthcare, preventive checks, environmental factors, diets, and even genetics.
This variation is seen in data issued by CDC and the National Cancer Institute. Data shows that one place in America has the lowest number of cancer incidents per 100,000 people in several types of cancer. Surprisingly, the location is not a mainland country. That’s Puerto Rico, US regional region to the oldest European settlement in America And a lot of Resort with amazing beach views.
Despite a continuous challenge of healthcare That has forced doctors and nurses to leave the island altogether, researchers say there are several reasons why Puerto Rico still has the lowest cancer in the country. This is what they learned.

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Puerto Rico has the lowest cancer rate in the US
Cancer rates have decreased in the last five years
According to CDC and NCI, Puerto Rico has a adjusted age Cancer incident rate 347.6 cases per 100,000 people. Data tailored to age use 2000 US Standard Population to take into account age differences throughout the group.
For example, as the risk of cancer increases with age, areas with older populations will have data that reflects higher cancer rates if data is not adapted to age.
In addition, the data set only includes invasive cancerOr cancer spread outside the tissue where they first develop. Examples of invasive cancer are:
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Breast cancer
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Lung cancer
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Colorectal cancer
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Pancreatic cancer
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Prostate cancer
Bladder cancer is an exception, as both cases of invasive and non -circulated cases are included in the data.
The rate of cancer in Puerto Rico has also experienced a decline in the last five years, with a decline of 1.8 cases per 100,000 people. Despite the ongoing healthcare challenges, how does Puerto Rico still have the lowest cancer in the United States?
State/Region |
The rate of incidence of cancer adapted to age |
Recent 5 years trend |
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Puerto Rico |
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California |
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Columbia District |
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New York |
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Kentucky |

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Why does Puerto Rico have the lowest cancer in the US?
Researchers have issued several studies in the last ten years
San Juan in Puerto Rico
The rate of cancer-adapted to the average US is 444.4 per 100,000 people, about 28.7% higher than Puerto Rico. Researchers believe this gap is due to several factors.
A CDC Review 2015 It suggests that the difference in the rate of cancer reported may be due to variations in health -related behavior and cancer screening practices.
For example, Puerto Rico has:
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Higher pregnancy rates at the beginning of life, which may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
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Lower smoking rate, which can explain the lower rate of lung cancer.
Other studies Published in 2022 by the American Cancer Research Association (AACR) discusses the relationship between breast cancer risk and sun exposure.
Although researchers report that the findings are somewhat inconsistent, they have lowered risk of breast cancer among women in Puerto Rico, where UV radiation is a high year. However, they warned too much sun exposure, The main cause of skin cancer.

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The most impossible person to die from cancer in Utah
Despite having a higher rate of cancer than Puerto Rico, Utah has the lowest mortality rate
In addition to the rate of cancer incidence, the CDC has compiled the rate of cancer death by the US country. According to data 2022, Utah is a state where the people are most unlikely to die from cancer, and It is also the healthiest state for the elderly and retirees.
Puerto Rico is not included in this data set.
Although Utah reported the rate of cancer of 412.7 per 100,000 people by 2023, about 18% higher than Puerto Rico, it had a significant low The death rate of cancer of 116.1 deaths per 100,000 population.
This low mortality rate is most likely due to some lifestyle factors. For example, Utah is famous for its incredible pedestrian city and Beautiful little local with easy national park accessEncourage its people to exercise. The researcher said Physical activity helps cancer patients Maintain treatment and increase energy levels.
In addition, Utah has The lowest rate of liquor In the United States, according to a study conducted by CDC, and NCI warns that heavy alcohol use can negatively affect cancer recovery and increase recurrent risk.
State/Region |
The death rate of cancer |
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Although researchers know lifestyle, environmental factors, and health -related behaviors play a role in why Puerto Rico and Utah experience lower levels of cancer and death, continuous research can reveal more valuable data to help prevent and treat the disease.