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Wilmot Cancer Institute / Wilmot Community Engagement / Region We Serve

 

Region We Serve

Wilmot Cancer Institute Catchment area stretches across 27 counties in Upstate New York.Wilmot focuses its cancer care, research, and education efforts in a 27-county area of Western and Central New York that includes more than 3 million people in the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central, and Mohawk Valley regions. Of the 27 counties, 26 have a higher poverty level than the U.S. average. Rates of cancer in this catchment area are significantly higher than for the U.S. as a whole.

Specifically, the cancer burden in this region disproportionately affects:

  • Urban Black and Latino communities
  • Rural communities with aging populations

In addition, this area is home to groups that face unique disparities in cancer prevention and care:

  • The largest deaf and hard-of-hearing population per capita in the U.S.
  • The nation’s fifth largest Amish/Mennonite population
  • A significant sexual and gender minority community

Among other indices of disparity, individuals in the communities we serve experience:

  • Longer delays between diagnosis and beginning cancer treatment
  • Higher rates of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity
  • Lower rates of mammography

CANVAS Data Maps

We’re working to better understand community needs, including through the use of quantitative data. Available through our Cancer Visual Analytic System (CANVAS) web-based tool, these real-time data maps are also available to guide the efforts of other community-based groups. Did you know we can help you wiht data requests? This option is open to anyone in our 27-county catchment area. For more information, complete this form and a staff member will reach out to you.