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Michigan residents most fearful of cancer, survey suggests

Despite chance of health problems in the future, 40 per cent of respondents said they regularly and knowingly make poor lifestyle choices
SooLeader Staff
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Michigan residents are most fearful of cancer, yet one in three people do not take the precautions necessary to ward off the dreaded disease, suggests a recent survey. 

The poll of 3,000 respondents commissioned by Midss.org, an information source for better health, has identified the state's greatest fears when it comes to diseases. The survey found that cancer is the most feared illness, followed by heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Cancer

The survey found that Michiganders fear cancer the most. This concern is understandable, given that cancer is a complex disease that can affect any part of the body and has no known cure. The causes of cancer are also varied and include genetic factors, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors.

Heart Disease 

The second most feared disease is heart disease. Heart disease is a term used to describe several conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. These conditions can be caused by various factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity.

Alzheimer’s Disease 

The third most feared disease in Michigan is Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the leading cause of dementia, which affects over 50 million people worldwide. The disease has no known cure, and treatment is limited to managing symptoms. 

Other diseases feared:

  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Pneumonia 
  • Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis
  • Kidney Disease
  • Chronic lower respiratory diseases
  • Septicemia

One alarming discovery from the survey was over one-third (36%) of Michiganders who are concerned about serious illnesses take no proactive steps (such as regular exercise, healthy eating, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, getting adequate sleep) to prevent diseases from happening. 

Regular exercise is an essential factor in reducing the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. Healthy eating is another vital factor in reducing the risk of serious illnesses. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and maintain a healthy weight. 

When respondents were quizzed on the main reason they don’t do enough exercise, the majority put it down to their lack of motivation (40 per cent). This was followed by time constraints (34 per cent), limited access to a safe and convenient place to exercise (20 per cent), and six per cent even said they didn’t think it was important or necessary to exercise.

Despite the chance of health problems in the future, a surprising 40 per cent of respondents said they regularly and knowingly make poor lifestyle choices.