Philippine E-Journals

A Spatial Heterogeneity Perspective in Analyzing Cancer Mortality Distribution Using GIS

Ricardo T. Bagarinao

Discipline: Ecology

 

Abstract:

An ecological spatial variation analysis of cancer incidence and mortality is increasingly important, as cancer has become a major cause of death across the globe. Using the concept of spatial heterogeneity as analytical framework, a spatial distribution analysis that used GIS was conducted for the cases of cancer mortality in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. Complete data retrieval was conducted for cases between 1990 and 2010 from the Registry Office of the Municipality. Data visualization and analysis were done using the graduated color legend type of the GIS software. Spatial units were delineated following the communities political boundary of Municipality. Descriptive statistics was computed to describe spatial variations of cases. Results indicate that cancer mortality is highly heterogeneous across spatial units. The highest number of cases is in Batong Malake. The number of cases reduces as it moves away from this area. It is recommended that an in-depth study be conducted to determine the causes of these spatial trends of cancer mortality to contextualize its interventions or reduction and management programs.