Report: NV has higher cancer rates than neighbors

"If you are residents of a state you would expect the same level of care anywhere in that state, but this is not happening in Nevada," Pinheiro said. "This discrepancy does not exist in other states around the nation and points to major differences in access to screening as well as quality health care between the two regions."

The report also found:

— Nevada women, particularly whites, show among the highest mortality rates for lung, colorectal and liver cancers in the nation.

— Lung cancer among Hispanics is about one-half that of non-Hispanic whites possibly because of the traditionally lower smoking rates of Hispanics.

— Whites in Nevada have higher rates than all other racial groups for breast, bladder and colorectal cancers, while blacks show high rates for prostate cancer.

— Hispanics have high rates for stomach and uterine cervix cancers, while Asians have the highest rates for liver cancer.

— Blacks and Hispanics are diagnosed at a later advanced stage of disease more often than whites and Asians, and may be ineligible for effective treatment as a result.

Pinheiro suggests Nevada boost prevention efforts to curb cancer rates.

"An increase in the screening rates especially for those of low incomes, as well as strengthening the interventions to reduce tobacco use and second-hand smoke, could go a long way toward diminishing the cancer risk in Nevada," he said.