colon cancer deaths

• Colon cancer is the second-leading site in cancer deaths, accounting for an annual average of 110 deaths in San Mateo County between 1992 and 1996. ⁵⁶³

colorectal cancer incidence

• Between 1990 and 1994, the annual average age-adjusted incidence rate of colorectal cancer cases in San Mateo County was 56.0 per 100,000 for men, and 37.5 per 100,000 for women. In comparison to statewide rates, the San Mateo County incidence rates are slightly higher than the California rate for both men and women. ⁵⁶⁴

• Further, colorectal cancer incidence rates in San Mateo County are highest among White men (58.0 cases per 100,000), followed by Asian/Other men (46.4 cases per 100,000), White women (39.0 cases per 100,000), and Hispanic men (36.4 cases per 100,000). [Note that African-American rates are not included in this analysis due to insufficient data.] ⁵⁶⁵

colorectal cancer screening

A digital rectal exam is a screening procedure in which a physician or other health professional inserts a finger into the rectum to check for colorectal cancer and other health problems. It is recommended that, by the year 2000, at least 40% of men and women over the age of 50 visiting a primary care physician in the preceding year receive a digital rectal exam.

• In all, 59.3% of San Mateo County residents have had a digital rectal exam in the past year, similar to the 58.6% found nationwide and exceeding the 40% or higher target for the year 2000.⁵⁶⁶

• Those more likely to have had a digital rectal exam in the past year include those with annual incomes over $78,000 (64.7%), men (62.3%), those with postsecondary education (60.7%), and African-Americans (86.8%). Conversely, Asians and Hispanics were less likely to have ever had a digital rectal exam (45.1% and 26.4% "never" had a digital rectal exam, respectively). [Note that sample sizes among African-Americans, Asians, and Hispanics are small and thus carry a higher error rate.] ⁵⁶⁷

Another method of screening for colorectal cancer is the proctoscopic examination, in which a tube is inserted in the rectum to view the bowel for signs of cancer and other health problems.

• Over one-half (52.2%) of area residents over the age of 50 have ever had a proctoscopic exam, similar to the U.S. rate of 52.9% and exceeding the Year 2000 objective of 40% or higher. ⁵⁶⁸

• Individuals aged 65 and older (64.2%) and African-Americans (80.5%) are more likely to have ever had a proctoscopic exam, while Asians are less likely to have ever had a proctoscopic exam (71.3% "never" have had a proctoscopic exam). [Note that sample sizes among African-Americans and Asians are small and thus less reliable than other numbers.] ⁵⁶⁹

A fecal occult blood test tests the bowel movement for blood. It is recommended that 50% or more of individuals aged 50 and older visiting a primary care physician in the preceding two years receive a fecal occult blood test.

• A total of 61.9% of San Mateo County residents aged 50 and older have had a fecal occult blood test in the past two years, exceeding both the national testing prevalence (49.7%) and the Year 2000 objective. ⁵⁷⁰

nutrition

• Survey respondents report eating an average of 3.8 servings of fruits and/or vegetables per day (an average of 1.9 servings per day of each), well below the recommended 5 servings per day. Only 27.7% of respondents reported eating the recommended level. ⁵⁷¹

• A total of 41.1% of respondents report eating low-fat diets. In contrast, 58.9% report diets with "high" or "medium" fat content; this indication is relatively higher among men, younger adults, persons with a high school education or less, higher-income persons, as well as Asians/Pacific Islanders. ⁵⁷²

572  Ibid.