Integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) into Breast Cancer Epidemiologic Research
Abstract
The objective of this postdoctoral research is an integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a spatio-temporal perspective in breast cancer research. The research focuses on the relationship between environmental exposures and breast cancer risk. With the increased use of GIS in epidemiologic studies, it becomes possible to examine lifetime exposures to environmental risk factors by integrating lifetime exposure information in GIS with other breast cancer epidemiologic factors. As part of an ongoing case-control study of breast cancer in western New York, the proposed study tests the following hypotheses: (1) lifetime cumulative exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and benzene will be more strongly associated with risk for breast cancer than exposure for any one time period; and (2) there will be sensitive periods in a woman's life that will carry greater risk for exposure. The author will develop a GIS-based model of lifetime residential history and environmental exposure to PAHs and benzene. Developing a plan for modeling and development of the data was a major component of the first year's goals. For this year's goal, the author has focused on spatial clustering analyses of residences. He also has completed an update of the lifetime histories of the breast cancer cases and controls for his data set, established a collection of historic traffic information, and developed a GIS-based traffic model. These data will be used in future analyses. The development of a theoretical framework measuring similarities and differences in individuals' lifetime residential histories is in progress. Training in epidemiology was another task. The author has been involved in writing an epidemiologic research paper and has participated in several workshops as part of his epidemiology training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA434470
Entities
People
- Daikwon Han
Organizations
- University at Buffalo