AI Article Synopsis
- The paper evaluates how Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can be used to improve health information systems (HIS) for tracking cancer data.
- A case study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa shows a correlation between cancer cases and development levels, revealing that cancer is more prevalent in developed areas with hospitals.
- Despite challenges like data shortages and under-reporting, the study highlights GIS's potential to enhance cancer treatment accessibility mapping and overall health data management.
Article Abstract
The paper aims to evaluate the potential of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in the creation of a health information system (HIS) for cancer. A case study describes the spatial distribution of reported cancer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and correlates this with levels of development. The study illustrates the problems of data shortage in a developing country. The mapping of reported cancer reveals a concentration of cancer in the developed metropolitan districts, where the hospitals are located. The study therefore provides a 'geography of accessibility to treatment centres' due to the under-reporting of the disease. Despite incomplete data and under-reporting of the disease, the study illustrates the potential of GIS to add value to a HIS for cancer.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s1353-8292(02)00009-6 | DOI Listing |
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