Work

Using Geographic Information Systems to Promote Community Involvement in Comprehensive Cancer Control

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Geographic information systems (GIS) for cancer control present an innovative approach to health communication for comprehensive cancer control (CCC) planning. The ability to spatially depict multivariate views of cancer incidence, treatment site locations, transportation routes, and even environmental exposures within a map represents opportunities to involve communities in novel ways with cancer control. Communities may be involved strategically and/or as a goal in planning efforts. The experiences and perceptions of a near census of U.S. CCC program managers (N = 49) were examined to gain their insights about the compatibility of GIS mapping for CCC, the target audiences to be reached with maps as a CCC message, and relative advantages of this technology in its diffusion. Analysis includes a quantitative assessment of interviews and qualitative statements to illustrate these issues. Results suggest that GIS use for cancer control has the potential to build community capacity and social capital for communities as a way to reduce the cancer burden.

Source: Health Communication

DOI: 10.1080/10410231003711755

Authors: Roxanne Parrott, Julie E. Volkman, Eugene Lengerich, Christie B. Ghetian, Amy E. Chadwick, Suellen Hopfer

Institutions: Pennsylvania State University, Emerson College, Penn State Cancer Institute

Language: English

Topic: Global Cancer Incidence and Screening

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Cancer Coalition, Association of American Medical Colleges, Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention