Recorded presentation

Dorothy F. Parker, MHS¹, Andrea G. Thomas, MPH¹, Lydia Voti, MS², Islara B. Souto, MPH¹, and Robert S. Kirsner, MD, PhD¹. (1) Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, P.O. Box 016960 (D4-11), Miami, FL 33101, 305-243-1120, dparker@med.miami.edu, (2) Florida Cancer Data System, P.O. Box 016960 (D4-11), Miami, FL 33101

For many cancers, late stage diagnosis is associated with poor treatment and survival outcomes. Identifying socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of populations presenting with late stage disease, and developing programs specifically for these populations, may improve their cancer outcomes. We performed an exploratory analysis of the relationship between the likelihood of being diagnosed with late stage cancer and being medically indigent. The study was conducted in Miami-Dade County, a large urban area in South Florida with a very diverse population and a high percentage of uninsured adults. Stage at diagnosis for cases reported to Florida's central cancer registry from 1997-2001 and demographic data from the U.S. Census were analyzed at the zip code level. The percentage of late stage cases for seven cancer sites was correlated with ten demographic factors, and logistic regression analyses were performed. We also created a series of zip code maps using GIS software to display the distribution of late stage diagnosis for each cancer site overlaid with the distribution of the demographic factors (using quartiles). In addition, we compiled a directory of cancer-related services in the county, particularly for the medically indigent, in an attempt to relate access to care and cancer outcome measures. This study provides a better understanding of the distribution and burden of cancer within a large urban county, and identifies potential gaps in services. The results can help focus cancer control program planning and future epidemiologic studies on specific populations and areas at highest risk of delayed cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify statistical methods for relating late stage diagnosis and socio-demographic factors as a means of identifying high risk areas of a county
• Describe ways to use GIS (mapping) as a tool for displaying cancer, demographic and facility information at the zip code level
• Discuss strengths and limitations of small area analytic tools for cancer control

Keywords: Cancer, Health Care Access

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation