A GIS Approach to Exploring the Correlation between Cancer Death Rate and Socioeconomic Disparities

Abstract

Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, with socioeconomic disparities significantly influencing cancer outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between cancer mortality rates and socioeconomic factors in North Carolina using Geographic Information Systems. The research focuses on key socioeconomic indicators such as median household income, poverty rate, diabetes prevalence, and access to healthy food. Data from North Carolina's 2021 vital statistics, covering 747 ZIP codes, were analyzed using spatial mapping and statistical methods, including a two-tailed t-test and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. The results reveal significant geographic disparities in cancer mortality, with rural areas experiencing higher rates. These areas exhibit lower household incomes, reduced access to healthy food, and higher diabetes rates. The OLS analysis further confirms that lower income and greater distance to supermarkets are strong predictors of higher cancer mortality. Despite its significant findings, the study acknowledges the need for more granular data and additional factors, such as healthcare quality and environmental exposures, to fully explain the variability in cancer mortality. The findings underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions, particularly in resource allocation and addressing food deserts, to mitigate cancer health inequities.