Investigation Of Geographical Disparities: The Use of An Interpolation Method For Cancer Registry Data

Purpose: This study aimed to demonstrate a method to systematically illustrate cancer incidence in an accurate and visually attractive, yet straightforward, GIS-based method using ZIP Code level cancer registry data for all cancers combined and four major types of cancer. This analysis will better inform public health researchers by enabling them to empirically assess and describe geographic disparities in cancer for their own areas. Methods: We describe a process of creating smoothed maps with an appropriate, well-described, simple, replicable method. We calculated SIRs for each ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) for each cancer type. For the IDW, we used the ArcGIS 10.8.1 to create smoothed maps of Oklahoma ZCTA SIR. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a method that public health practitioners can duplicate with minimal skills, no or low-cost applications, and limited data to assist health care professionals and the community in interpreting cancer in their state.