Using GIS Technology to Map Cancer Surveillance Data for Community-Based Cancer Screening Interventions and Treatment Options

Cancer Surveillance Program (CSP) data is generally used to monitor cancer trends over time, show cancer patterns in various populations and advance clinical, epidemiologic, and health services research. In this instance, CSP data was used to guide partnerships for responsive evidence-based program planning to address identified target areas. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology can be used to understand health problems and better target areas in need of interventions. USC Norris Patient Education and Community Outreach Center (PEOC) utilized GIS technology with CSP data to create color coded maps of L.A. County DHS Service Planning Areas (SPA) which outlined census tracts with a higher proportion of late stage cancers. A total of 2,055 census tracts are located in Los Angeles County. Key areas to target African American males and females are in SPA 6, which has 79 census tracts in the highest tertile of late-stage disease. Latino males have high proportions of late stage disease in SPAs 2, 4, and 6, with 98, 121, and 102 census tracts in the highest tertile, respectively. Similarly, Latino females have high proportions of late stage cancer in SPAs 4, 6, and 7, with 131, 82, 108 census tracts, respectively. SPA 3 is an area to target Asians as there are 77 census tracts in the highest tertile for Asian males, and 94 census tracts for Asian females. Partnership development efforts will include engaging cancer prevention and control organizations, including those that offer treatment and clinical trials and encouraging the use of evidence-based programs.