South Dakota tops US cancer risk factor rankings
The EU is aiming to reduce its smoking population from around 25 percent now to less than five percent of the total by 2040 – Copyright AFP/File MANDEL NGAN
Where in the U.S. are the highest cancer rates? The answer reveals regional disparities related to a range of factors. Smoking and obesity emerge as critical cancer risk factors.
South Dakota ranks as the highest-risk state for cancer, driven primarily by high rates of excessive alcohol consumption and elevated radon levels. West Virginia shows the highest smoking rate and obesity rates among all states.
A recent study by the company Masumi identified and ranked U.S. states with the highest combination of risk factors contributing to cancer. Data was collected on cancer new cases and deaths (2024), population (2024), and various cancer risk factors, including smoking rates, obesity rates, radon levels, stress levels, alcohol consumption, the population aged 65 and above, UV radiation index, air pollution, and water hardness. States were ranked in descending order, with higher scores representing greater overall cancer risk.
A summary of the research reveals:
| State | Alcohol Excessive Consumption Rate | Smoking Rate | Obesity Rate | Radon Level | Stress Level Index | Composite score |
| South Dakota | 24.4% | 19.3% | 38.4% | 9.6 | 49 | 99.9 |
| West Virginia | 15.2% | 26.0% | 40.6% | 6.1 | 6 | 98.4 |
| Pennsylvania | 19.8% | 18.7% | 33.3% | 8.6 | 33 | 86.0 |
| Ohio | 20.7% | 21.1% | 37.7% | 7.8 | 17 | 83.4 |
| Kentucky | 18.2% | 24.6% | 40.3% | 7.4 | 8 | 82.6 |
| Maine | 22.5% | 17.3% | 31.9% | 5.9 | 20 | 78.2 |
| Iowa | 24.6% | 17.1% | 36.4% | 6.1 | 46 | 76.9 |
| Montana | 24.3% | 17.2% | 31.8% | 7.4 | 30 | 76.4 |
| Wisconsin | 25.2% | 16.0% | 33.9% | 5.7 | 38 | 68.0 |
| New Hampshire | 20.8% | 15.7% | 30.6% | 5.6 | 47 | 67.9 |
As indicated above, South Dakota leads the ranking with a composite score of 99.9, presenting a strong concentration of cancer risk factors. The state records the highest radon level (9.6) among all analyzed states, creating significant indoor exposure risks. South Dakota’s excessive alcohol consumption rate of 24.4 percent contributes substantially to its overall cancer risk profile, while its obesity rate of 38.4 percent further enhances health concerns. The state also faces challenges with stress levels (49), ranking among the highest in the study.
West Virginia ranks 2nd with a score of 98.4, displaying the highest smoking rate (26 percent) among the top 10 states. West Virginia also leads with the highest obesity rate (40.6 percent) and has the largest elderly population (21.5 percent) among the top-ranked states, creating a particularly vulnerable demographic profile.
Pennsylvania ranks 3rd with a score of 86, balancing multiple risk factors across categories. The state shows concerning levels of radon (8.6) and relatively high stress levels (33). Pennsylvania’s high obesity rate (33.3 percent) and bad air pollution (6) further compound cancer risks.
Ohio ranks 4th with a score of 83.44, with the highest air pollution (8.9) among the top states. Its smoking rate (21.1 percent) and obesity rate (37.7 percent) are also among the highest, and stress levels (17) are noticeably elevated, compounding the state’s cancer risk.
Kentucky ranks fifth with a score of 82.61, showing the second-highest smoking rate (24.6 percent) and obesity rate (40.3 percent). Despite having a lower elderly population (17.8 percent), the state’s lifestyle risk factors put residents at significant cancer risk.
Such data suggests that to understand cancer risks a balanced understanding between lifestyle factors, genetics and environmental factors, each combining to influence health outcomes.
South Dakota tops US cancer risk factor rankings
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