RECA/Downwinder Inquiries

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), 42 U.S.C. § 2210 note, is a federal law that provides partial restitution to individuals who developed certain serious illnesses following exposure to radiation from the U.S. nuclear weapons program, or their survivors. In 2025, RECA was reauthorized and expanded to include eligibility for those individuals who lived in the State of New Mexico for at least 1 year between September 24, 1944, and November 6, 1962 and who developed certain cancers. RECA is administered by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). For more information on RECA, please visit the website at: https://www.justice.gov/civil/reca

The New Mexico Tumor Registry (NMTR) is designated by the New Mexico Department of Health to document cancer diagnoses for the purposes of public health surveillance in accordance with state laws and regulations. NMTR has been collecting cancer data in the Albuquerque area since 1966 and statewide since 1969. We work directly with the DOJ to verify cancer diagnoses for New Mexico residents applying for compensation through RECA.

How to request cancer records from the New Mexico Tumor Registry through the DOJ:

When filling out DOJ’s RECA Downwinder or Uranium Worker Claim Form, check the following box on the top of page 10: “I WANT THE RECA PROGRAM TO CONTACT A STATE CANCER REGISTRY AND I HAVE SIGNED THE AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE MEDICAL INFORMATION”

—AND—

Complete and sign the “Authorization to Release Medical and Other Information from a State Cancer Registry” form.

A RECA/DOJ representative will contact the New Mexico Tumor Registry, and then we will respond to them directly.

FAQs

Here, we provide some information on frequently asked questions for those interested in submitting a RECA application.

Can the New Mexico Tumor Registry release cancer records to me directly?

No. The New Mexico Tumor Registry responds to claims relevant to RECA solely through representatives of the United States Department of Justice. The Registry can release confidential information to the Department of Justice because the applicant (you) has authorized them to do so. The Department of Justice has verified the identity of each application and has determined that the applicant has legal authority.

How do I know if my cancer record is in the New Mexico Tumor Registry? How do I know if my family member’s record is in the New Mexico Tumor Registry?

If your cancer was diagnosed after 1966 (Albuquerque area) or 1969 (statewide), and while you were a resident of the state of New Mexico, your cancer information will be recorded in the New Mexico Tumor Registry. Our data are most complete from diagnosis years 1973 to 2023. We record all cases of cancer diagnosed in New Mexico, regardless of whether you received your treatment in-state or not.

How far back do New Mexico Tumor Registry records go?

The New Mexico Tumor Registry started in 1966 but only included cases from Albuquerque and Northcentral New Mexico. The Registry expanded its coverage to the entire state 1969. Our data are most complete from diagnosis years 1973 to 2023.

How soon after diagnosis will my record be in the New Mexico Tumor Registry?

It takes up to twelve (12) months for us to collect complete data on all cancer cases. If you or your family member have been diagnosed with cancer within the last year or two, we recommend that you contact your health care provider for your medical records.

Can you look up a cancer record for me to confirm if it is in the New Mexico Tumor Registry?

No. The New Mexico Tumor Registry does not release information about whether an individual is captured in the registry or not. Confirming whether an individual’s cancer is captured in the registry or not would comprise a release of that patient’s private information.