Highlights of cancer incidence in Louisiana, 1988-1992

This paper highlights the major findings from the recently released volume of the Louisiana Tumor Registry monograph series: Cancer Incidence in Louisiana, 1988-1992. One out of three Louisiana residents will develop cancer in his or her lifetime. Lung cancer remains the most common cancer for all races, both genders combined. Lung cancer rates for women continue to rise substantially (20% over the previous 5-year period) and African-American men in the Acadiana Region have the state's highest lung cancer rate. The number of prostate cancer cases has surpassed that of lung cancer for the first time in Louisiana men; the sizable increase since 1983 (about 50%) in prostate cancer likely reflects the recent aggressive screening by the PSA test. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Louisiana women and incidence rates have increased about 20% over the previous 5-year period. Geographic comparisons show that the New Orleans Region continues to have rates higher than state averages, and a clear pattern of high cancer risk has emerged for the Acadiana region. The Central Louisiana and the Baton Rouge Regions have rates lower than state averages.