Increasing incidence of colon and rectal cancer among Hispanics and American Indians in New Mexico (United States), 1969-94

Objectives: This study evaluates time trends in colon and rectal cancer incidence and mortality among the three major race/ethnic groups (Hispanics, American Indians, and non-Hispanic Whites) in New Mexico (United States). Methods: We used data from the New Mexico Tumor Registry (NMTR) and computed average annual age-standardized incidence anti mortality rates. Colon cancer incidence rates were further examined by anatomical subsite. Estimated annual percent change (EAPC) in incidence and mortality over time were computed using Poisson regression. Results: Invasive colorectal cancer incidence rates increased from 1969-89 in all three race/ethnic groups, but decreased among non-Hispanic Whites in 1990-94, while rates continued to increase among minority populations, especially among minority men. Over the 26-year period, EAPC in colon cancer incidence among men was 3.6 percent for Hispanics, 4.7 percent for American Indians, and 0.7 percent for non-Hispanic Whites. Right- sided colon cancers were more common among American Indian women, and among all women aged 65 years and older. Mortality rates decreased steadily among non-Hispanic Whites over the study period, especially among women. Conclusions: Studies are needed to identify important modifiable risk factors and to develop strategies to increase the use of colorectal cancer screening- procedures among the minority populations.