TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The University of Arizona is studying how neighborhood environments may contribute to obesity-related cancer risk, with a new $1.2 million grant from the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Chris Lim, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the Zuckerman College of Public Health and lead researcher on the project, said the study will provide a more comprehensive understanding of environmental factors that may increase cancer risk.

“In places like Arizona where it gets really hot during the summer where there’s no shade, it’s really hard to take a walk, spend time outside or play or run,” said Lim. “So that really doesn’t promote healthy dietary or healthy exercise patterns.”

The five-year study will examine how neighborhood features like tree canopy coverage, availability of healthy food options, and air quality may contribute to nearly 15 different obesity-related cancers, including brain, liver, and reproductive cancers.

Previous studies examined only single aspects of neighborhood environments, but Lim’s team plans to use machine learning and deep learning approaches to create more detailed “archetypes” of neighborhood environments.

When the study is complete, researchers plan to present their findings to policymakers to implement changes. While the research is still in its early stages, Lim emphasized individuals can take steps now to reduce their cancer risk despite environmental challenges.

“Eating healthier and exercising are hugely beneficial to decreasing your obesity-related cancer risk,” Lim said. “Through outreach and evidence sharing, we can hopefully influence more behavioral patterns as well.”

Local initiatives like “Tucson Million Trees,” led by Mayor Regina Romero, are already working to address some of the environmental factors that may contribute to cancer risk. The initiative aims to plant one million trees by 2030 to increase the city’s tree canopy and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

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