Cancer Survivors in New Mexico, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2009-2010

Recent evidence suggests that health behaviors and preventive health care practices among cancer survivors vary by state. The objective of our study was to describe the demographics, co-morbidities, and health behaviors of adult cancer survivors in New Mexico using data from the 2009 and 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We also identified differences in these factors between cancer survivors and adults never diagnosed with cancer, as well as differences between various groups of cancer survivors. After excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, we found that cancer survivors in New Mexico were primarily female, non-Hispanic white, and over 55 years of age. Age-adjusted comparisons to adults who never had cancer showed that survivors were more likely to report having a disability, be in fair or poor health, be current smokers, and live in a household with an annual income less than $25,000. Survivors were also more likely to have ever been diagnosed with asthma, arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression and anxiety. Cancer survivors were more likely to have received a pneumococcal vaccine than those who never had cancer. Survivors of cancer (excluding colorectal cancer) were also more likely to be up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening. Among survivors who had completed treatment, breast cancer survivors were more likely than other cancer survivors to have received a summary of their treatment, to have received follow-up care instructions, and to have participated in a clinical trial. This information can be used to provide more tailored services for cancer survivors in New Mexico.