The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Nebraska’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, has launched two new data visualization tools to help communities in Nebraska better understand cancer burden and support local prevention and screening efforts.
The Cancer InFocus Data Dashboard is an interactive tool that provides county- and state-level information on cancer incidence, screening rates, risk factors and demographics. Users can explore local cancer trends and spot patterns to inform public health planning, outreach and research.
County Cancer Data Infographics offers simple, county-specific summaries of cancer statistics and community characteristics. The visual reports are designed for quick reference and can be used by health departments, health care systems, community organizations and researchers.
“We have designed these tools with our community partners in mind so both researchers and communities can use them. These are easy-to-use tools and can be navigated with minimal training,” said project lead Sai Paritala, PharmD, cancer center member and assistant director of data analytics assessment, community outreach and engagement. “We hold statewide workshops to help public health professionals, health systems and community organizations learn to use the Cancer InFocus and Infographics dashboards effectively for planning and outreach.”
“We are working toward a future with fewer cancers and better outcomes for all Nebraskans,” said Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “Access to local data enables us to identify concerns and target evidence-based interventions. By understanding where cancer burden is highest and which risk and social factors are involved, communities and cancer center researchers can better prioritize research studies, screening programs and prevention strategies.”
“These tools make it easier for community partners to move from data to action,” said Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, PhD, assistant director of community outreach and engagement for the cancer center. “For researchers, they can support in generating hypotheses, understand catchment area burden and access data when developing proposals.”
For more information about the Cancer InFocus Data Dashboard, County Cancer Data Infographics or upcoming training workshops, email the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Office of Community Outreach and Engagement.
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is one of only 74 cancer centers in the United States to receive designation from the National Cancer Institute, a distinction that recognizes excellence in research, patient care, education and training and community outreach.