Latest New York State Cancer Data Released - Cancer Incidence and Mortality in New York State

Albany, April 20, 1999 – The New York State Department of Health has released a two–volume publication, "Cancer Incidence and Mortality in New York State" that provides statistical information about newly diagnosed cancer cases in each of New York's 62 counties, along with the number of cancer deaths in the state.

The statistics are based on the most recent (1996) data from New York State's Cancer Registry, which collects, processes and reports on information about every New Yorker diagnosed with cancer. Information about newly diagnosed cancer cases is received from hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers, clinical laboratories, managed care organizations and private physicians. Information reported to the registry is confidential; however, the department aggregates statistical data for research purposes and to assist the health community in planning and evaluating public health interventions.

The publication, which presents data in tables, groups them as follows:

  • Volume 1: provides county–level age–adjusted cancer data by gender for the years 1992–1996, including average annual cases and rate per 100,000;
  • Volume 2: provides detailed cancer data by year for the period 1980–1996, including age, gender, race, ethnicity and stage of tumor at diagnosis for New York State, New York City, and New York State exclusive of New York City.

The books include an explanation of such factors as age–adjustment, confidence intervals and relative standard error that individuals who are not familiar with statistics will find useful to help them interpret the data.

Improving the timeliness, completeness and accuracy of the cancer registry has been a priority of the State Health Department under Governor George E. Pataki's administration. Just a year ago, 1994 numbers were the most recent available from the registry; now the Department has finalized statistics from 1995 and 1996 and is readying 1997 data.

The information contained in these reports is being used by the Department to produce cancer maps at county and sub–county levels. These maps are part of the State's Cancer Surveillance Improvement Initiative, which is administered by the Health Department and includes an expert advisory board that is giving advise and guidance to the Department with respect to the types of maps produced and the timetable for their release. The first maps are expected to be released in the next couple of months.

Individuals who would like to obtain a copy of the new publication may write to the New York State Department of Health, Box 2000, Albany, NY 12220. The same information also will be available shortly at the department's web site: http//www.health.state.ny.us

4/20/99–36 OPA