This Montana County Has The Highest Cancer Rate

How Montana Ranks In National Cancer Statistics

The "C" word is a difficult word to talk about, but one that should be.

We're, of course, talking about cancer and also what counties in Montana have the highest rate of it.

Cancer Statistics In America

Before we get into the counties here in Montana, let's talk about some other cancer stats.

Kentucky, with 503.4 cases per 100,000 people, is the state that has the highest cancer rate in America, while New Mexico has the lowest rate (350.4 cases per 100,000).

Of the 10 states with the highest cancer rate, 9 of them are found east of the Missouri River, while of the 10 states with the lowest cancer rate, 9 of them are located west of the Missouri River.

Rural Montanans May Face A Greater Cancer Risk

As for Montana, well, we aren't in the top 10 for the highest rate, so that is good news.

Now for the bad news, we come in ranked number 2 for the highest rate of breast cancer in America (145 new cases per 100,000), plus we also rank #5 for the highest rate of prostate cancer. (134.8 new cases per 100,000)

While it's not a foregone conclusion you'll develop cancer if you live in any of these counties, location absolutely plays a role in whether or not you'll develop cancer.

Those living in rural areas are more likely to develop cancer, not to mention those who live in poverty are also at a higher risk.

Keep that in mind as you look through our gallery of the counties with the highest rate of cancer in Montana.