Public Health Trends for Montgomery County, Maryland

Sources: Ronald Gress M.D. – Deputy Director of the National Cancer Institute and Branch Chief of the ETIB.  He referenced me to the County Health Report.

In Montgomery County Maryland the life expectancy is above the state average, as well as the United States. While this is the case, there are increasing occurrences in risk factors and diseases.

Breast cancer has been increasing in all populations, yet 50% more of African American women die than white women. African Americans and whites are twice as likely to develop lung cancer than Asian and pacific islanders. And men are more likely to develop than women. African American males are 50% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than white and are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer.

Over 135 Montgomery County residents die from diabetes each year. And men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is diagnosed two times more often in African Americans than any other race in Montgomery County.  

61% of men in Montgomery County are overweight. 7 out of 10 Hispanic and African American men are either overweight or obese. Obesity is lowest in Asian and Pacific islanders, and highest in African Americans and Latinos.  

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in all residents. High blood pressure and high cholesterol contribute to heart disease. African Americans die at a rate of 15% higher than whites from stroke. The heart disease rate of death is 50% more in males than females. One in four adults suffer from hypertension in Montgomery County. Rates of high cholesterol have increased in the County from 30% in 2005 to 39% in 2009.

Substance abuse is comparable to Maryland state except higher rates of alcohol and marijuana use. Another concern is that drinking in the age range between 12-20 have increased in the county. Young adults (18-25) have a three fold higher usage rate of marijuana than any other age group in Montgomery County.

I think the rates are lower than national averages because a high affluent population resides in Montgomery County, Maryland. Also, the NIH and NCI is in Montgomery County, benefitting the community and raising awareness of public health issues.

written by: Matthew Gress