Hamilton County Leads New York in Cancer Rates, CDC Data Shows

CDC data covering diagnosed cancer cases from 2016 to 2020 ranked all 50 New York counties by cancer incidence per 100,000 residents. Hamilton County topped the list with 1,001.3 cases per 100,000 people and an age‑adjusted rate of 504.5, followed by Columbia County (804.4) and Warren County (802.7).

The report notes that variations stem from genetics, lifestyle habits, occupational exposures such as meat processing, rubber manufacturing and farming, as well as environmental factors like air and water quality. Limited access to screening and treatment also raises rates in some areas. State and local health officials plan to use the rankings to direct resources, expand screening programs, fund cancer‑education initiatives, and address specific environmental risks.