Cancer remains a significant public health challenge across the United States, and South Dakota is no exception. While the state as a whole ranks high nationally for cancer incidence and mortality, recent data highlights Sioux Falls as the South Dakota city with the highest cancer rates, surpassing both state and national averages.
Cancer Incidence in Sioux Falls
According to the South Dakota Cancer Registry, Sioux Falls recorded an age-adjusted cancer incidence rate of 513.7 per 100,000 people from 2015 to 2019.
This figure is notably higher than the state average of 452.4 per 100,000 and the national average of 442.3 per 100,000 during the same period. This means that approximately 514 out of every 100,000 residents in Sioux Falls were diagnosed with cancer annually.
Most Common Cancers in Sioux Falls
The types of cancer most frequently diagnosed in Sioux Falls mirror those seen across South Dakota. The most common include:
- Bladder cancer
- Lung and bronchus cancer
- Colon and rectum cancer
- Breast cancer
When it comes to cancer-related deaths, lung and bronchus, breast, prostate, colon and rectum, and liver cancers are the leading causes.
Factors Contributing to High Cancer Rates
Several factors may contribute to the elevated cancer rates in Sioux Falls and the broader South Dakota region:
Lifestyle and Occupational Risks: Higher rates of cancer are often observed among individuals working in certain industries, such as meat processing and agriculture, which are prevalent in South Dakota.
Environmental and Socioeconomic Factors: Access to early screening, healthcare disparities, and environmental exposures can all influence cancer incidence.
Demographic and Genetic Factors: Age, genetics, and family history also play a role in cancer risk.
Statewide Context
South Dakota as a whole ranks 11th in the nation for new cancer cases and 9th for cancer-related deaths. In 2023, the American Cancer Society projected approximately 5,340 new cancer cases and 1,760 cancer deaths in the state.
Lung and bronchus cancers remain the leading cause of cancer death, accounting for about a quarter of all cancer fatalities in South Dakota.
Conclusion
Sioux Falls stands out as the South Dakota city with the highest cancer rates, with incidence figures exceeding both state and national averages. The city’s cancer burden reflects broader state and regional patterns, influenced by occupational, environmental, and socioeconomic factors.
Addressing these challenges requires ongoing public health efforts focused on prevention, early detection, and improved access to care to help reduce the impact of cancer in Sioux Falls and across South Dakota.
Source:
[1] https://www.benefitspro.com/2025/04/07/south-dakota-tops-list-of-states-with-highest-cancer-risk-study-finds/
[2] https://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov/incidencerates/index.php?stateFIPS=46&areatype=county&cancer=086&stage=211&race=00&sex=0&age=001&type=incd
[3] https://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov/incidencerates/index.php?stateFIPS=46&areatype=county&cancer=001&year=0&race=00&type=incd&sortVariableName=cirank&sortOrder=asc
[4] https://stacker.com/stories/south-dakota/counties-highest-cancer-rates-south-dakota
[5] https://loganhockingtimes.com/the-city-in-south-dakota-with-the-highest-cancer-rates-in-the-state-is-this-one/
[6] https://www.cancersd.com/about-cancer/
[7] https://www.lung.org/research/state-of-lung-cancer/states/south-dakota
[8] https://doh.sd.gov/media/wvylwngn/vitalstats-2021_health-status-by-county.pdf