Data-based interventions for cancer control in Texas.

The percentage of excess mortality based on the ratio of the race-ethnic-sex-specific regional rate to the state rate was used to identify regions with differing risks of lung, breast, and cervical cancer. Mortality maps show wide variation in mortality risks for these cancers not only by race and ethnicity but also by geographic region. Cancer-staging information from the State Cancer Registry indicated that excess mortality for breast and cervical cancers in black and Mexican-American women results largely from the later detection of these cancers. Together with geographic mapping of data on cancer mortality, data on the prevalence of tobacco use and on the use of Papanicolaou's tests and mammograms can be used to select and direct interventions to specific regions and to the highest risk populations. Evaluation of routinely collected cancer data, particularly in state health departments, is a primary step in implementing programs to control and prevent cancer in Texas.