- Number of new cases: The number of newly diagnosed cases of invasive colorectal
cancer in New Jersey rose gradually from 1979 until it peaked in 1985 at just under 6,000
cases, after which the annual number decreased to just under 5,400 cases.
- Rate of new cases: The annual age-adjusted incidence rate (number of new cases per
100,000 people) remained nearly constant, above 60, until it peaked at 63.5 in 1985 and then
steadily decreased to 50.9 in 1997.
- Incidence rates by race: Until 1995, black men had a consistently lower incidence rate of
colorectal cancer than white men. The incidence rate of colorectal cancer among black
women was similar to that of white women.
- Incidence rates by gender: Regardless of race, men showed a consistently higher
incidence rate than women.
- Incidence rates by age group: Colorectal cancer incidence rates increased with age,
rising more sharply after the age of 50. Incidence rates were highest among men and women
over the age of 70.
- Stage of cancer at diagnosis: The percentage of colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in
earlier stages (in situ and local) from 1984 to 1997 increased, especially among black men
and women. By 1997 the percent of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the earlier stages was
more similar than in earlier years among the four race and gender groups, ranging from 37.2
percent among black women to 43.1 percent among black men.
- Number of deaths: The annual number of deaths due to colorectal cancer increased from
2,304 in 1979 to 2,415 in 1983, when it peaked, and gradually fell to 1,990 in 1997.
- Mortality rates: The annual age-adjusted death rate declined from 27 per 100,000 in
1979 to 18 per 100,000 in 1997. The decline occurred in all race and gender groups with
white men and women showing the greatest declines.
- New Jersey versus U.S.: For the combined years 1993-97, the age-adjusted incidence and
mortality rates for colorectal cancer were higher in New Jersey than in the U.S.
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