Geospatial Analysis of Breast Cancer in Alexandria: Application of a Novel Public Health Tool | ||
| The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine | ||
| Article 4, Volume 37, Issue 2, April 2019, Pages 27-36 PDF (413.27 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejcm.2019.30913 | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Geographic information system is a toolbox that can depict geography of 80% of health problems (epidemiology and outcome) and geography of healthcare systems (screening, prevention, treatment/care services delivery), that can predict future cases levels and trends and show areas with significant clustering of cases to target with prevention and control. Objective: The objectives of the present study were to portray the geographical distribution of breast cancer cases in Alexandria, identify the breast cancer cluster areas in Alexandria, and to calculate the predicted number of breast cancer cases until year 2020. Method: Breast cancer cases clinically and pathologically diagnosed and confirmed in Alexandria University Hospital, Medical Research Institute and Ayadi Almostakbal in Alexandria, over 10 years, between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2014 and diagnosed and managed in the three enrolled data warehouse were obtained. A digitalized map of Alexandria was used. The data of breast cancer prevalence was overlaid and spatial analysis of prevalence by district and locality was generated using GIS software. Results: Cancer breast cases through 2005-2014 in Alexandria were 6806 cases of which 4534 cases were geocodable. Four Clusters of districts were found, and the characteristics of each cluster was portrayed and mapped. Projection and prediction of cancer breast revealed 704 cases in Alexandria in year 2020 with a consistent increase in cases. Conclusion: Montaza district was the most significant cluster area. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Cancer breast; Spatial analysis; GIS; public health tool | ||
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