Colorectal Cancer in New Mexico

Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in New Mexico. ^1,2

In New Mexico, non-Hispanic Whites are most often diagnosed with colorectal cancer. However, Hispanics have the highest rates of death from colorectal cancer, and Hispanics and American Indians are more often diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease, making treatment more difficult.^1,2

Only 55% of all New Mexicans have been screened for colorectal cancer, and screening rates vary for different groups. Compared with non-Hispanic Whites, African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians are less likely to be screened: less than one-half of African-Americans and Hispanics, and only one-third of American Indians reported being screened for colorectal cancer. New Mexicans living in rural areas and those with lower incomes, lower educational levels, and no insurance were also less likely to be screened. ^{3 3}

Source:

1. Incidence Database - Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (www.seer.cancer.gov) SEER* Stat Database: Incidence - SEER 13 Regs Research Data, Nov 2009 Sub (1992-2007) [Katrina/Rita Population Adjustment] - Linked To County Attributes - Total U.S., 1969-2007 Counties, National Cancer Institute, DCCPS, Surveillance Research Program, Cancer Statistics Branch, released April 2010, based on the November 2009 submission.

2. Mortality Database - Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (www.seer.cancer.gov) SEER*Stat Database: Mortality - All COD, Aggregated With State, Total U.S. (1990-2007) Katrina/Rita Population Adjustment, National Cancer Institute, DCCPS, Surveillance Research Program, Cancer Statistics Branch, released June 2010. Underlying mortality data provided by NCHS (www.cdc.gov/nchs).

3. 2006, 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Data. New Mexico Department of Health, Public Health Division, Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, 2010.