DHSS Press Release

DPH IDENTIFIES AREAS OF THE STATE WITH HIGH INCIDENCE OF CANCER

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) announces the release of its first state report to provide cancer incidence rates at the census county division level. The report focuses on incidence rates for all cancers combined, as well as for the four most frequently occurring cancers - breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers.

Census county divisions (CCD) are county subdivisions established cooperatively by the United States Census Bureau and state and local authorities. CCDs are defined in such a way that boundaries follow visible features and census tracts. Delaware is divided into 27 CCDs, ranging in size from 6,093 to 83,884 people.

DPH chose the CCD level of analysis because it provided cancer rate information for more distinct geographical areas than whole counties.

Based on 2000-2004 data, eight of Delaware's 27 CCDs had significantly elevated incidence rates for one or more cancer type, as follows.

The analysis cannot determine why some areas of the state have higher cancer rates than others. Possible reasons could include coincidental spatial clustering, environmental exposure, migration of people into or out of the area, differences in lifestyle risk factors, and improved access to health care. Additional study of the areas where there are higher rates will be necessary to gain further insight into the possible reasons. The origin of a cancer cluster may be more easily traced to an environmental exposure if it involves one or more of the following three traits: (1) the cluster contains a large number of one type of cancer, as opposed to several cancer types; (2) the cluster involves a rare cancer type, as opposed to more commonly diagnosed cancers; and (3) the cluster involves a large number of cancer not usually found in a particular age group.

will arrange meetings in each of the eight areas with statistically higher rates, working with their legislators, seeking input from the Delaware Cancer Consortium, and, if appropriate, conducting formal epidemiologic studies to further investigate elevated cancer incidence rates.

To view the full report, go to www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/files/subcounty_cancerincidence_report.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.