Create and Analyze Cancer Catchment Areas
Develop new healthcare service areas and analyze the population within using Atlas.
Atlas (free) to create and style the interactive map and layers
Before we begin
The healthcare sector often debates the impact of genetics versus environmental factors in cancer care. While much focus is placed on genetics, location — metaphorically represented by ZIP Code — plays a critical role in shaping outcomes, highlighting the need for a broader perspective.
Cancer research has achieved remarkable advancements, including PET scans, CT imaging, CRISPR, and immunotherapies. These breakthroughs revolutionize diagnostics and treatment. However, addressing environmental and locational factors is equally vital for improving care and outcomes.
What you can do with this Blueprint:
- Map cancer catchment areas for NCI-designated centers.
- Create infographics to display healthcare demographics.
- Compare four potential catchment areas with maps and data.
- Analyze population insights using infographics and map series.
Create a project and upload data
If you’re already a user, navigate to the workspace dashboard. If not, create a free account.
Upload the datasets in the free resources section.
Create a county-based catchment area
The first method you use to create a potential catchment area for the cancer center will be based on county boundaries. Specifically, you'll create an area that encompasses the county the cancer center is in and all counties that share a boundary with it.
Create catchment area with a buffer
The second method you'll use to create a catchment area is a buffer. A buffer creates a regular area around a point or polygon for a specified distance. You'll create a circular area 60 miles around the cancer center in all directions to represent a potential catchment area.
Create catchment area with travel time analysis
Accessibility based on distance can be measured more precisely using an accurate road network. For your third potential catchment area, you'll perform network analysis to calculate an area based on driving distance toward the cancer center. To compare the results to your 60-km buffer area, you'll use a 60-mile driving distance.
Create a catchment area with patient data
To define your last potential catchment area, you'll use the cancer center's patient data to create an area that includes the majority of the core cancer patients.
Copy this project
Develop new healthcare service areas and analyze the population within using Atlas.
Simply copy this template, follow the steps above, and let Atlas work its magic.
Need help?
If you have any issue, you can ask for help on email or schedule time with a Atlas expert.
