Geographic variation in the incidence of colorectal cancer in the United States, 1998-2001.

Background: This study examined the incidence rates and risk factors for colorectal cancer in 9 geographic divisions in the United States.

Methods: The colorectal cancer cases were diagnosed between 1998 and 2001 in 39 states and the District of Columbia (grouped into 9 geographic divisions in the United States). The association between colorectal cancer and geographic division was analyzed using the Poisson regression model controlling for demographics and ecologic measures of education, behavioral factors and colorectal cancer screening data extracted from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Reporting cutaneous melanoma to cancer registries in the United States.

Background: Central cancer registries provide data to monitor incidence rates of cutaneous melanoma.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the completeness of melanoma reporting in the United States.

Methods: Data provided by central cancer registries were used to calculate age-adjusted, average annual incidence rates and were compared by time period (1992-1994, 1995-1997), stage, and program (Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results [SEER] and National Program of Cancer Registries [NPCR]).