Primary liver cancer mortality and incidence in Texas Mexican Americans, 1969-80.

During the years 1969-80, primary liver cancer mortality rates for Mexican American males were 2.2 times higher than for other Whites; Mexican American females had rates 2.8 times higher than other White females. Age-specific mortality rates showed even higher risks for older Mexican Americans exceeding both other White and Black rates three to four-fold. Incidence data for El Paso County (Texas) confirmed the increased risk for Mexican American males (risk ratio = 2.3) and females (risk ratio = 13.7). Cirrhosis mortality was also higher in Texas Mexican Americans but risk ratios were not as large as seen for primary liver cancer.