International Journal of Applied Information Systems |
Foundation of Computer Science (FCS), NY, USA |
Volume 4 - Number 7 |
Year of Publication: 2012 |
Authors: Arwa Al Madan, Mohammadjafar Esmaeili |
10.5120/ijais12-450823 |
Arwa Al Madan, Mohammadjafar Esmaeili . A Case Study of Geographic Distribution of Breast Cancer in New York State. International Journal of Applied Information Systems. 4, 7 ( December 2012), 42-45. DOI=10.5120/ijais12-450823
Breast cancer is one of the most serious and deadly diseases spread among women in the world. The American Cancer Society expected an estimated 211,240 new cases of breast cancer and 40,410 deaths (representing 15% of total deaths) to occur among women in 2005. Cancer is caused by both external factors (such as tobacco, chemicals, radiation and infectious organisms) and internal factors (such as inherited mutations, hormones, immune conditions and mutations that occur from metabolism). These causal factors may act together or in sequence to initiate or promote carcinogenesis. This study is utilizing Geographic information system (GIS) in public health and is aiming to investigate the geographic distribution of breast cancer in New York State in order to identify any possible high-risk areas. ArcGIS spatial statistics tools, Local Gi* statistics, Local Morans I, and Geoda Excess risk map were used in this Study. The success of this research may increase female awareness and help researchers to focus more on areas with high risk of breast cancer and to find any geographical or environmental factors that may cause cancer.