Maine experiences a cancer burden higher than the national average. The state’s cancer incidence rate is 449 per 100,000 people, exceeding the U.S. rate of 403. Its cancer mortality rate is 161 per 100,000, compared to the U.S. rate of 144. Understanding the factors contributing to these elevated rates is an ongoing public health effort.
Demographic and Lifestyle Factors
The demographic makeup of Maine contributes to its elevated cancer rates. Maine has one of the oldest populations in the United States, with approximately 23% of residents aged 65 or older. Advancing age is a significant cancer risk factor, as incidence increases steadily with age due to accumulated cellular damage and immune function changes.
Lifestyle behaviors prevalent in the state also contribute to cancer risk. Maine’s adult smoking prevalence was 15.0% in 2022, slightly above the national rate of 14.0%. Obesity is another factor, with rates of overweight and obesity among Maine adults increasing to 66% by 2019. Obesity is linked to an increased risk for at least 13 different types of cancer, and obesity-associated cancers have risen in Maine, particularly among younger adults. Alcohol consumption and ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure are additional lifestyle elements contributing to cancer risk.
Environmental Contributions
Unique geological features and historical environmental conditions in Maine expose residents to certain carcinogens. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is a leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and the second leading cause overall. Maine has one of the highest average indoor radon levels in the country at 5.9 pCi/L, which is more than four times the national average of 1.3 pCi/L. Approximately 36.5% of homes tested in Maine show radon levels exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended action level of 4 pCi/L.
Arsenic, another naturally occurring element, is present in Maine’s groundwater, and about one in ten private wells in the state contains arsenic levels exceeding federal safety standards. This naturally occurring arsenic has been linked to an increased risk of bladder, lung, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate cancers. Beyond natural elements, historical industrial activities, such as paper mills and manufacturing, and past agricultural practices using arsenic-based pesticides, may have left behind persistent contaminants. These legacy pollutants, alongside emerging concerns like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are potential long-term contributors to cancer risk in the state.
Challenges in Early Detection
Geographic isolation and Maine’s rural nature can present challenges in healthcare access, influencing cancer outcomes. While Maine has strong general cancer screening rates, including mammograms and colorectal cancer screenings (63.9% compared to the U.S. average of 56.0%), the distribution of specialized medical facilities remains a factor. Many rural areas have limited access to specialized cancer care facilities, oncologists, or advanced diagnostic equipment, concentrating resources in more populated southern regions.
Even with commendable screening participation, geographic barriers can delay timely follow-up appointments, diagnostic procedures, or the initiation of specialized treatment. Cancers detected at later stages are often more advanced and present greater challenges for effective treatment. This progression can necessitate more aggressive interventions, lead to higher financial costs, and significantly reduce survival rates. Consequently, delays in diagnosis or treatment, even after initial screening, can contribute to the overall cancer burden and impact reported mortality statistics in Maine.