Die kartografische Darstellung regionaler Unterschiede in der Morbidität: Möglichkeiten der Datenanalyse am Beispiel des kleinräumigen Krebsatlasses Schleswig-Holstein

Translated title of the contribution: The cartographic depiction of regional variation in morbidity: Data analysis options using the example of the small-scale cancer atlas for Schleswig-Holstein

Ron Pritzkuleit*, Nora Eisemann, Alexander Katalinic

*Corresponding author for this work

Abstract

The cancer registry in Germany collects area-wide small-area data that can be presented in themes (disease mapping). Because of the occurrence of random extreme values of rates, mapping without prior spatial-statistical data analysis is problematic from a methodological and risk-communicative viewpoint – the extreme values easily mislead the card reader and obscure actual spatial patterns. The problem of data instability can generally be met by aggregation or by smoothing. The cancer atlas for Schleswig-Holstein is based on data from 1142 municipalities (median population: 721) for the diagnostic years 2001–2010. Maps for incidence (as a standardized incidence ratio), mortality (as a standardized mortality ratio), and relative survival (as a relative excess risk) were smoothed by using a Bayesian method (BYM model). The maps show that spatial differences can be made visible by smoothing. Data aggregation is the methodically simpler way, but means a loss of information. The atlas shows that small-scale mapping is possible while preserving the entire spatial information. The method of smoothing is complex, but useful for generating hypotheses. The spatial patterns found are complex, difficult to interpret, and require the collaboration of specialists from different professions, because of the diverse influencing factors (data collection, lifestyle factors, early detection, risk factors, etc.). The effort required to explain the methodology in a language easy to understand should not be underestimated.

Translated title of the contributionThe cartographic depiction of regional variation in morbidity: Data analysis options using the example of the small-scale cancer atlas for Schleswig-Holstein
Original languageGerman
JournalBundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz
Volume60
Issue number12
Pages (from-to)1319-1327
Number of pages9
ISSN1436-9990
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.12.2017

Research Areas and Centers

  • Research Area: Center for Population Medicine and Public Health (ZBV)

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