The stage of a cancer at diagnosis is multiply determined, theoretically depending on such disparate factors as tumor biology, patient education, and physician behaviors. Data from all Hispanic and non‐Hispanic white residents of New Mexico diagnosed with a malignancy from 1969 through 1982 were analyzed to determine the relationship between the age of the patient and the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. Three general patterns were apparent. For cancers of the bladder, breast, cervix, ovary, thyroid, and uterus, and for melanoma, there were significant linear trends for the cancers to be diagnosed at more advanced stages in older patients. For cancers of the lung, pancreas, rectum, and stomach, there were significant linear trends for cancers to be diagnosed at an earlier stage in older patients. For cancers of the colon, kidney, liver, and prostate, there were no significant linear trends in stage at diagnosis versus age of the patien