The most common cancers in Texas are

• Breast

• Prostate

• Lung

• Colorectal

These four make up about 47% of all cancer diagnoses.

El Paso County, which has an 83% Hispanic population, generally mirrors these statistics, with some differences. For example, estimated cases of colorectal and liver cancer rank higher among El Paso men, compared to Texas men overall. And estimated cases of colorectal and thyroid cancer rank higher among El Paso women, compared to Texas women overall.

Health Disparities and Cancer

Health disparities are common in El Paso. Disparities can be influenced by a web of socioeconomic factors, including language barriers, low income, lack of health insurance, lack of transportation, and lack of community investment in health care. And in rural West Texas, geography plays a role, as there may be no doctors or health care facilities for hundreds of miles.

These factors create barriers to care, which can adversely affect outcomes for cancer patients. On the positive side, U.S. Hispanics generally have lower cancer rates than the non-Hispanic white population, but there are some differences that may be influenced by socioeconomic disparities. For example:

Disparities in access to care can also affect screening rates

Lifestyle and Cancer

Did you know the American Cancer Society estimates at least 42% of cancers in the U.S. could be avoided through lifestyle changes?

These changes include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, losing weight and increasing physical activity, and protecting yourself from HPV infection.

Let’s Get Health, El Paso!

To build a healthier Borderplex, Texas Tech Health El Paso operates several prevention and education programs aimed at reducing the incidence of colorectal, breast, cervical and other cancers in El Paso County and across West Texas. You’ll find more information in “Cancer Prevention Goes the Distance” and learn more by visiting our Cancer Prevention Programs website at elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/som/family/cpp.