Public interest in localized cancer incidence and uncertainty in cancer surveillance data: Clarifying uncertainty in residential geolocation to concerned citizens

Abstract

Recently, interest in geospatial cancer analysis involving smaller geographic areas, such as sub-county regions in the US and districts in Germany, has been expressed by concerned citizens. At the same time, locally elevated cancer incidence sparks public concern as attributed to potential environmental factors, impacting citizens’ sense of well-being and property values. In these periods of collective anxiety, the scrutiny of the quality of cancer surveillance data, which is primarily the responsibility of CCRs, increases tremendously as well as the public pressure to explain uncertainty in the data. Residential geolocation harbors the highest level of uncertainty compared to other patient’s characteristics. Residential geolocation involves geocoding record linkage across different information sources. Uncertainty arises when a patient’s characteristics diverge among various sources. Here, we present how a simple index of confidence in residential geolocation can explain uncertainty in cancer surveillance data. Efforts invested in clarifying confidence in residential geolocation to citizens may improve relationships between CCRs and the public and also improve georeferenced data in areas that need such improvement badly. The purpose of this publication is to set up the stage for a discussion within the cancer surveillance community and possibly the public.