Medical College of Georgia

 Research and Faculty Development

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Department of Family Medicine
Examination of Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) Strategies

The purpose of this project is to examine the spatial distribution of colorectal cancer screening rates in Georgia using Blue Cross/Blue Shield claims data and GIS technology. By examining access, socio-demographic, and environmental factors that affect screening rates geographically, it is our hope that an intervention plan will be developed to increase screenings, increase early detection, and subsequently reduce the loss of human life.

Given the study's demographic component, the first portion of the study involved creating a "picture" of Georgia. Thus, we contacted the following organizations to acquire pertinent data: US Census Bureau, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget, Georgia Department of Public Health, University System of Georgia, Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry, and the Division of Public Health/Georgia Department of Human Resources.

These organizations provided us with the following county/health district statistics:

County Maps

Population:

1. Total Population (Source: US Census Bureau)
2. Racial Distribution by County (Source: US Census Bureau)
   • Caucasian
   • African American
3. Minority Density (Source: US Census Bureau)

Economic Climate:

1. Per Capita Income (Source: US Census Bureau)
2. Median Household Income (Source: US Census Bureau)
3. Unemployment Rate (Source: Georgia Department of Public Health)
4. Poverty Data per County (Source: US Census Bureau)

Family Structure:

1. Household Living Arrangements
   (Source: Georgia Office of Planning and Budget, Census Data Program)
   • Married Couple Households
   • Family Households
   • Single Female Households
   • Living Alone

Education Level: (Source: University System of Georgia)

1. Some Grammar or High School
2. High School Graduate or Equivalent (GED)
3. Some College
4. College Graduate or Higher

Disease Incidence and Mortality:
Information provided by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry

1. Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates
   (Source: Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry)
2. Colorectal Cancer Mortality Rates
   (Source: Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry)

Community Resources:

1. Number of Foodservices and Drinking Places
   (Source: US Census Bureau, Economic Census)
2. Number of Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers
   (Source: US Census Bureau, Economic Census)
3. Number of Physicians Offices
   (Source: US Census Bureau, Economic Census)

Health District Maps

Colorectal Screening Practices:

1. Colorectal Cancer Screenings Rates
   (Source: Division of Public Health, Georgia Department of Human Resources)
   • Age 50–64
   • Age 65+

Behavioral Health:

1. Smoking Prevalence
   (Source: Division of Public Health, Georgia Department of Human Resources)
2. Alcohol Consumption
   (Source: Division of Public Health, Georgia Department of Human Resources)
   • Caucasian
   • African American
3. Fruit/Vegetable Consumption
   (Source: Division of Public Health, Georgia Department of Human Resources)

Once these statistics were collected, the raw numbers were manipulated and rates/percentages were generated in order to create uniformity amongst the datasets. The datasets were then imported into ArcGIS software and maps were produced to visually depict the data.

To date, we have mapped all pertinent county and health district information. The legal offices at MCG and Blue Cross/Blue Shield are attempting to reach an agreement regarding claims data use. Once these offices reach an agreement, we expect to receive the claims data and thus complete the final portion of the study in a timely manner.

Contact Information

Research and Faculty Development  |  Department of Family Medicine
 Medical College of Georgia

Please email comments, suggestions or questions to:
Stan Sulkowski, ssulkowski@mcg.edu.

January 10, 2008