University of Nevada Las Vegas researchers arrived at three major findings: Nevadans have a slightly higher cancer rate than their neighbors in California, Utah and Arizona.

Up to ten percent of Nevada cancer patients are diagnosed and treated outside the state.

And the outlook for the disease greatly depends on where you live in Nevada.

Dr. Paolo Pinheiro co-wrote the study. 

PINHIERO:"When we calculate survival rates, for breast cancer or colorectal cancer for instance, between northern Nevada and southern Nevada, we see significant differences. With Northern Nevada faring up there with the rest of the U.S. whereas Southern Nevada lags behind."  

Pinheiro says Nevada's lung cancer - and smoking rates - are main drivers of the overall state cancer rates.