Journal article
Estimating Small Area Statistics and Developing a Novel Mapping Tool to Display Them Using a User-Centered Design Process
JCO clinical cancer informatics, Vol.10(2), e2500139
04/2026
DOI: 10.1200/CCI-25-00139
PMID: 42224633
Abstract
Cancer registries are often asked to present cancer data for small geographic areas to inform and facilitate targeted interventions and prevention programs. However, it is challenging to compute and visualize reliable cancer estimates for areas with small case counts and populations to support cancer control planning.
Leveraging a user-centered design process, we developed a visual analytics platform and interactive graphics to display modeled cancer risk estimates for small areas. Development of our visual analytics platform was informed by cancer registry and public health professionals through focus groups and surveys. The reliable cancer risk estimates for small areas that we displayed on this platform were created using a Bayesian hierarchical model that borrows strength from neighboring areas and over time to produce cancer estimates for small areas.
The Cancer Analytics and Maps for Small Areas tool (CAMSA) provided age-adjusted cancer incidence and mortality rates and risk probabilities for eight cancers at the county and ZIP-code tabulation area levels. It allowed the user to identify areas of high cancer incidence, including among subgroups defined by sex and race/ethnicity. Potential end users were enthusiastic about the opportunity to implement CAMSA within their practice, emphasizing the tool's potential for increased collaborative opportunities at local and state levels. Suggestions for improvement included adding map overlays such as additional cancer risk variables and incorporating functionalities such as exportable data tables.
CAMSA presented cancer rate and risk estimates for small geographic areas where they may have previously been suppressed. Through our user-centered design process, we developed statistical models and data visualizations to support the needs of an array of potential end users.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Estimating Small Area Statistics and Developing a Novel Mapping Tool to Display Them Using a User-Centered Design Process
- Creators
- Erin O Wissler Gerdes - University of IowaJinyi Cai - University of IowaCarly Mahoney - University of IowaGrant D Brown - University of IowaJacob Clark - University of IowaMary E Charlton - University of IowaCaglar Koylu - University of IowaEmily K Roberts - University of IowaBrittany A McKelvey - Patient Advocate FoundationCharles L Wiggins - University of New MexicoAngela W Meisner - University of New MexicoW Jay Christian - University of KentuckyBin Huang - University of KentuckyMelissa J Smith - University of Alabama at BirminghamJacob J Oleson - University of IowaSarah H Nash - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- JCO clinical cancer informatics, Vol.10(2), e2500139
- DOI
- 10.1200/CCI-25-00139
- PMID
- 42224633
- NLM abbreviation
- JCO Clin Cancer Inform
- ISSN
- 2473-4276
- eISSN
- 2473-4276
- Publisher
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Grant note
- National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health: U01CA258400 University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center: 3P30CA086862 National Cancer Institute: HHSN26120130010I, HHSN26100005, HHSN26100001 National Cancer Institute: HHSN26100001, HHSN261201800014I
Supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number U01CA258400. This work was supported by the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center 3P30CA086862. S.H.N. and M.E.C. are supported by the Iowa Cancer Registry, funded by the National Cancer Institute (HHSN26120130010I, Task Order HHSN26100005). The New Mexico Tumor Registry is supported by Contract HHSN261201800014I, Task Order HHSN26100001 from the National Cancer Institute. The Kentucky Cancer Registry is supported by Contract HHSN261201800013I, Task Order HHSN26100001 from the National Cancer Institute.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/2026
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology; Biostatistics; School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability; Center for Social Science Innovation; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Community and Behavioral Health; Otolaryngology
- Record Identifier
- 9985167576902771
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