Description

CANTREATRAD indicates if the person mentioned "radiation" as the type of treatment they received for their cancer. In 1992 this inquiry was directed at sample persons age 18 years and over who were ever diagnosed with one kind of cancer (CANCEREV, CANCERNO) and were diagnosed in the past 10 years (CAN1DIAGDY, CAN1DIAGE) or who were diagnosed with more than one kind of cancer (CANCERNO) and most recent cancer was diagnosed in the past 10 years (CANRECDIAGDY, CANRECDIAGE). The inquiry was again directed in 2010 at sample persons age 18 years and older who were ever told they had cancer (CANCEREV).

In 2010 sample persons who have had more than one cancer diagnosis were asked to refer to their most recent cancer diagnosis for this and other treatment questions.

The field representative's manual in 1992 defines radiation as "treatment of disease by using ionizing radiation which can be administered either externally, using X-ray machines, or internally, using a radioisotope. The radioisotope can be in a sealed implant, it can be given by mouth, or it can be injected into the bloodstream, or a body cavity."

For further information and related variables on treatment of cancer see CANTREATSURG.

Comparability

Aside from the difference in universe between 1992 and 2010 CANTREATRAD is comparable.

There are some differences between years relating to possible treatments received for cancer. In 1992 but not in 2010 sample persons were asked if they received special diets (CANTREATDIET), self-healing techniques (CANTREATHEAL) or didn't know what techniques (CANTREATDK) as treatment for cancer.

In 2010 but not in 1992 sample persons were asked if they received hormonal treatments (CANTREATHORM), bone marrow or stem cell treatment (CANTREATMARO), or no treatment (CANTREATNONE) for cancer.

Universe

Availability

• 1992, 2010

Weights

• 1992, 2010 : SAMPWEIGHT