DHSS Press Release

DPH RELEASES MAPS OF CANCER RATES

In accordance with SB 235 passed last year, Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) released state maps today showing cancer incidence rates from 2001-2005 by census tract. The maps, available at www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/cancer.html use age-adjusted rates using the number of cases per 100,000 residents. Age-adjustment eliminates the age of cancer patients as a factor for why rates vary.

The U. S. Census Bureau has divided Delaware into 197 census tracts. Census tracts are often different from town lines and districts. They allow researchers to look more closely at communities. Maps and analysis may be found at .www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph

Findings included:

• Twenty-nine of the census tracts were statistically significant when compared with the state average rate, 23 lower and 145 neither.
• One of these 29 census tracts was predominantly due to one cancer - prostate. The causes of prostate cancer are relatively unknown. However the good news is that there are screening tests for prostate cancer.
• The other 28 had high rates due to a mixture of cancers suggesting no particular reason for why they were high.

DPH plans to look more closely at all the census tracts that were statistically significant.

Decades of study show that the reason cancer rates are higher in small geographic areas, such as census tracts, cannot be determined. This is because:

• Higher rates of cancer occur by chance. We may be searching for a cause that does not exist.
• The environment is constantly changing.
• Where we live is influenced by regional, national, and global environments.
• The time between exposure to a harmful substance and the development of cancer can be decades.
• It is hard to measure a substance in the environment, how long it has been there, and how long a person has been in contact with it.
• Cancer is caused by a combination of many factors - including your genetic make-up - some of which are not fully understood.

DPH offers programs that can assist Delawareans in protecting themselves from contracting cancer as well as programs for those who suffer from cancer. Free cancer screening is available to those without insurance or whose insurance doesn't cover these tests. DPH also offers free services to help residents quit smoking. The Healthy Homes website can help Delawareans find and eliminate indoor environmental hazards. Go to http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/healthyhomes.html

For an overview of the rates and frequently asked questions, go to www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/onthemap2008.pdf

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.