Disparities in incidence of early- and late-onset colorectal cancer between Hispanics and Whites: A 10-year SEER database study

Background

Racial disparities in incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) exist. In Hispanics, CRC was the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2012.

Methods

We abstracted the national estimates for Hispanics/Whites with CRC using the SEER database between 2000 and 2010. Trends in incidence, mortality, gender and stage of disease were analyzed for early-onset (age<50; EO - young) and late-onset (age>50; LO - old) cases.

Results

The overall incidence of CRC increased by 48% in Hispanics. 38% increase in incidence of LO CRC and 80% increase in incidence of EO CRC was seen in this ethnic group. Hispanics and Whites showed higher percentage of distant tumors for both age groups. There was no deviation in overall trend between males and females.

Conclusions

Although there is an overall decrease in incidence of CRC in Whites increase was seen in Hispanics. While incidence of EO CRC is increasing in both races, LO CRC incidence is increasing in Hispanics not in Whites. This data suggest that disparities in incidence of EO and LO CRC exist between Hispanics and Whites.