The variations of cancer mortality rates from place to place reflect both underlying differences in cancer prevalence, as well as differences in diagnosis and treatment that affect the risk of death. The latter are particularly important in explaining the less favorable outcomes for disadvantaged populations and racial and ethnic minorities. The objectives of this study are to explore geographic variation in late-stage cancer diagnosis within Illinois and to examine the role of access to healthcare in explaining such variation. Using geographic information systems (GIS) and innovative spatial analysis methods, this research will (1) describe and analyze spatial clustering of late-stage cancer, both for the population as a whole and by race/ethnicity; (2) model geographic variation in spatial access to healthcare services with an emphasis on screening services for early detection; and (3) examine the effects of spatial access to healthcare along with various non-spatial factors in influencing geographic patterns of late-stage cancer. Specifically, we will focus on three of the four leading types of cancer in Illinois: breast, colorectal and prostate cancers, all of which have relatively effective means of early detection. All analyses will be conducted for the population as a whole and for African-Americans and Latinos separately to shed light on race and ethnic disparities. The research will provide an informed basis for targeting health education and cancer prevention services to the areas where they are most needed.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21CA114501-01
Application #
6900147
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-HOP-B (90))
Program Officer
Tiwari, Ram C
Project Start
2005-04-01
Project End
2007-03-31
Budget Start
2005-04-01
Budget End
2006-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$109,986
Indirect Cost
Name
Northern Illinois University
Department
Miscellaneous
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
001745512
City
De Kalb
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60115
Luo, Lan (2013) Impact of spatial aggregation error on the spatial scan analysis: a case study of colorectal cancer. Geospat Health 8:22-35
Wang, Fahui; Guo, Diansheng; McLafferty, Sara (2012) Constructing Geographic Areas for Cancer Data Analysis: A Case Study on Late-stage Breast Cancer Risk in Illinois. Appl Geogr 35:1-11
McLafferty, Sara; Wang, Fahui; Luo, Lan et al. (2011) Rural - urban inequalities in late-stage breast cancer: spatial and social dimensions of risk and access. Environ Plann B Plann Des 38:726-740
Luo, Lan; McLafferty, Sara; Wang, Fahui (2010) Analyzing spatial aggregation error in statistical models of late-stage cancer risk: a Monte Carlo simulation approach. Int J Health Geogr 9:51
Wang, Fahui; Luo, Lan; McLafferty, Sara (2010) Healthcare access, socioeconomic factors and late-stage cancer diagnosis: an exploratory spatial analysis and public policy implication. Int J Public Pol 5:237-258
McLafferty, Sara; Wang, Fahui (2009) Rural reversal? Rural-urban disparities in late-stage cancer risk in Illinois. Cancer 115:2755-64
Wang, Fahui; McLafferty, Sara; Escamilla, Veronica et al. (2008) Late-Stage Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Health Care Access in Illinois. Prof Geogr 60:54-69