Cancer Survival in Kentucky and Health Insurance Coverage

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Abstract
CANCERS OF the colon and rectum (colorectal); of the trachea, bronchus, and lung (lung); and of the breast and prostate impose a substantial burden of disease in the state of Kentucky and in the United States as a whole. In 2002, these 4 highly prevalent cancers are expected to account for approximately 54% of the 21 100 new cases of invasive cancer predicted for Kentucky.1 This state's cancer registry is distinguished among state cancer registries by being 1 of only 5 to collect insurance status2 and by actively ascertaining information about vital status on all registered patients. Thus, Kentucky offers a convenient arena for studying population-based survival by health insurance category.