Cancer Disparities in Texas
Cancer affects all people regardless of sex, race/ethnicity, age, education, income, or geographic location. However, differences exist in the occurrence, prevalence, and outcome of cancer among different population groups. These differences are called cancer disparities.
The Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) analyzed the following cancers to compare cancer incidence and mortality rates in Texas for different race/ethnicity groups: lung & bronchus, colorectal, liver & intrahepatic bile duct, female breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. The TCR also examined kidney and renal pelvis cancer because American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest incidence and mortality rates nationally.
To quantify cancer disparities in Texas, age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were calculated for the most recent 5 years of data available—2011 to 2015—for each cancer and compared rates among different race/ethnicity groups. The race/ethnicity groups evaluated include the following: Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander, and non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native. Rates were calculated as new cases (incidence) or deaths (mortality) per 100,000 persons. Rates calculated for cancers specific to one sex are per 100,000 persons of that sex only. Because older age is a risk factor for many cancers, age-adjusted rates are presented so populations with different age distributions can be compared.
- Cancer Disparities in Texas Web Report (.pdf)
If you would like the above report in PowerPoint format (.pptx) please email CancerData@dshs.texas.gov.