Several factors contribute to geographic disparities in cancer:
- Access to Healthcare: Rural areas often have limited access to healthcare facilities and specialists, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. - Socioeconomic Status: Regions with lower socioeconomic status may have higher incidence rates of certain cancers due to limited resources for prevention and early detection. - Environmental Exposures: Industrial and urban areas may expose populations to carcinogens, increasing cancer risk. - Lifestyle Factors: Variations in diet, physical activity, and smoking rates across regions can influence cancer rates.