An analysis of New Jersey cancer registry data finds South Jersey residents have higher rates of the disease.
 

American Cancer Society vice president Blair Horner says the big difference is a higher incidence of lung cancer in South Jersey that’s associated with higher smoking rates.

“Northern Jersey tends to have counties with higher average incomes than southern Jersey. Typically smoking rates go down the more people¹s income goes up, and I would guess the very aggressive anti-smoking programs in New York City have had an impact in northern Jersey suburbs.”

Horner says public policy should be focused on reducing the cancer rate through anti smoking efforts.

The Cancer Society also recommends the state enhance cancer detection programs and ensure all residents have access to affordable health insurance coverage.
 

More than 40,000 New Jerseyans were diagnosed with cancer last year and 16,000 died from it.