Document Type
Capstone Experience
Graduation Date
12-2017
Degree Name
Master of Public Health
Department
Epidemiology
First Committee Member
Amr Soliman
Second Committee Member
Jiangtao Luo
Abstract
Mortality and Incidence rates are widely used as indicators of health disparities among different racial groups. The current study used the mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) to provide a better population-based indicator of survival that can be used as an alternative and more accurate measure of the fatality based on incidence. This study intended to calculate and map MIRs for colorectal, lung and bronchus, breast and prostate cancers in Louisiana by race (Blacks vs Whites), sex, age groups, and geography. Age-adjusted mortality and incidence rates were calculated using the latest data release of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (1973-2014). ). The study population was Louisiana Black and White residents who were diagnosed/died with primary colorectal, lung and bronchus, breast or prostate cancers during the period 2010-2014. ArcGIS Desktop 10.5 was used to visually illustrate the MIRs by race (Blacks and Whites) and sex, when appropriate across the 17 Health Service Areas (HSAs) of Louisiana. Black men MIRs were higher than White men MIRs for each cancer site and for all age groups combined. Black women MIRs were higher than White women MIRs for the majority of age groups. The larger and only significant differences between Blacks and Whites were observed for the overall MIR of breast and prostate cancers and for each age group. This study utilized MIRs to describe cancer fatality and disparities in Louisiana. Larger MIRs were detected for blacks compared to whites for breast and prostate cancers. More fatal cancers were detected in North and Northwest of Louisiana, and less fatal cancers were detected in the Northeast and South of Louisiana. Compared to national white MIRs, geographic differentials were detected. Regional MIR patterns were observed and need additional cancer prevention and control research in the highlighted geographic areas and population subgroups.
Recommended Citation
Almatrafi, Anas, "Epidemiologic and Spatial Differences in Colorectal, Lung, Breast, and Prostate Cancer Mortality-to-Incidence Ratios between Blacks and Whites in Louisiana" (2017). Capstone Experience. 15.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/coph_slce/15