Massachusetts Cancer Control Evaluation Project
Abstract
Currently, there are no proven ways to prevent breast cancer. However, many studies have shown that mammography screening programs can reduce breast cancer mortality 30 to 40%. It is imperative, therefore, to create reliable systems to monitor the effectiveness of screening programs. Because accurate measure of screening effectiveness are not available, we analyzed the proportion of cases with advanced disease at diagnosis within each geographic area as a proxy measure of screening efficacy. A cluster of tracts with excess proportions of late stage diagnoses is evidence of poor screening within that geographic area. As part of the Mass. Breast Cancer Control Evaluation Project, these proxy measures of screening have been incorporated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) along with other relevant social and economic data from the 1990 Census. Spatial scan statistical analysis determines whether significant excesses of late stage cancers are clustered geographically. When significant clusters are found, GIS is used to create thematic maps of the racial/ethnic, educational and economic characteristics of those areas, along with the location of mammography sites. Such information can help in designing mammography screening programs tailored to the unique characteristics of those regions where screening is currently ineffective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA337827
Entities
People
- Susan T. Gershman