Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a powerful tool for tracking and analyzing disease incidence, environmental hazards, and human exposure. This paper reviews multiple applications in the Cape Cod Breast Cancer and Environment Study and other contexts. The Cape Study was initiated in 1994 as a result of higher breast cancer incidence in a majority of Cape Cod towns compared with Massachusetts rates. GIS disease surveillance for a 13-year period showed a sustained and consistent pattern of high incidence unlikely to be explained by established breast cancer risk factors. To investigate possible regional environmental factors, the study integrated environmental data coverages from existing sources and field research. Ecologic analyses investigated the correspondence between areas of high incidence and indicators of historical drinking water quality, pesticide use, air pollution, and demographic factors associated with breast cancer risk; but exposure variation within census block groups limited the usefulness of ecologic analysis. The GIS is currently being applied for individual-level environmental exposure assessment. AGI and Silent Spring Institute developed custom tools to assess exposures for every Cape address dating back to 1948. These tools allow for optimal use of multiple data layers and are widely applicable as models for improved exposure assessment in health studies. The Cape Study GIS will be discussed in the context of other innovative health applications of GIS, including methods to identify clusters of brain cancer around hazardous waste facilities on a statewide basis, track the spread of disease, and target specific populations for health services. See www.SilentSpring.org
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify multiple applications of GIS technology in health studies 2. Identify GIS innovations in the Cape Cod Breast Cancer and Environment Study 3. Understand methods for investigating regional patterns of high breast cancer incidence
Keywords: Geographic Information Systems, Breast Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: President, AGI