Files
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women and is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Previous researchers mainly focused on the incidence and mortality rate of female breast cancer, only a few studies have analyzed spatial patterns of female breast cancer survivors in the United States. The survival of all cancer patients diagnosed in a region is an important measure of the overall effectiveness of the healthcare system in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cancer. Understanding the distributive patterns of breast cancer survival in spatial and temporal dimensions can help researchers to investigate hot spots and risk areas, infer possible trends and processes of disease. Moreover, geographic variations in cancer status and cancer outcomes can help motivate policymakers to improve the quality and distribution of health care resources. Combined with demographics, socioeconomic status, and environmental exposures, researchers can focus on fundamental factors or processes that lead to breast cancers and develop improved control activities.