PubH 6035 Epidemiology: Uncovering the Science of Public Health – Summer 2018

Module 2 Assignment: Descriptive Epidemiology Case Study 

To complete the assignment, access the following resource:

Noone AM, Howlader N, Krapcho M, Miller D, Brest A, Yu M, Ruhl J, Tatalovich Z, Mariotto A, Lewis DR, Chen HS, Feuer EJ, Cronin KA (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2015, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, https://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2015/, based on November 2017 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, April 2018.

Find the link labeled “Browse the Tables and Figures” and click on it. You should now be at a webpage titled, “Browse the SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2015.” Now, find the information in the SEER Cancer Statistics Review to answer the following questions:

Note: All questions are worth 1 point unless otherwise marked.

Hint: Don’t forget to label your answers (For example, when reporting incidence rates the answer should not just be a number, but a number with a label — not 12.68, but instead, 12.68 cases per 100,000 persons per year. Similarly, when reporting percentages, make sure to include the % label). Points will be deducted for missing labels.

Overview  (Select “Overview” from the Section drop-down menu)

1) What is the estimated number of new cancer cases for 2018, for all cancer sites combined? (Table 1.1)

_________________________

2) What is the estimated number of cancer deaths for 2018 from non-Hodgkin lymphoma? ____________________________

Annual Incidence Rates  (Select the specific cancer site from the Section drop-down menu and then the appropriate table – don’t forget to click ‘submit’)

3) Find the 2015 annual incidence rates for liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancers.

a. What was the 2015 annual incidence rate for all races, both sexes? ________

b. What was the 2015 annual incidence rate for males? ___________________

c. What was the 2015 annual incidence rate for females? __________________

d. Describe each of these sex-specific rates for males and females in words by putting these data into a sentence (don’t forget the denominators!). Then, discuss how these two rates compare to each other (for example, which rate is higher? By how much?) Answer in complete sentences. (4 points)

4) Find the 1975-2015 annual incidence rates for testicular cancer.

a. What was the 1975-2015 annual incidence rate for all races, all ages?

___________________

b. What was the 1975-2015 annual incidence rate for white males, all ages?

___________________

c. What was the 1975-2015 annual incidence rate for black males, all ages?

___________________

d. Describe each of these race-specific rates in words by putting these data into a sentence (don’t forget the denominators!). Then, discuss how these two rates compare to each other (for example, which rate is higher? By how much?) Answer in complete sentences. (4 points)

5) The rates in this table are age-adjusted, which means that the differences in rates seen between the populations are not due to age. Why is it important to adjust for the effects of age, particularly for cancer incidence and mortality? Note: Do not just define age adjustment, but instead discuss why it is important when understanding cancer statistics. Answer in complete sentences. (3 points)

6) Examine the rates of testicular cancer by year between 1975 and 2014. Is there a pattern to the change in the rates over time? That is, are the rates increasing, decreasing, or staying the same over time? Is this pattern similar in black and white persons? Using data from the table to support your answers to these questions, and answer in complete sentences. (5 points)

5-Year Relative and Period Survival (Select the specific cancer site from the Section drop-down menu and then the appropriate table)

7) Find the 5-Year relative survival (%) for 2008-2014 by stage at diagnosis for colon and rectum cancer (all races, both sexes).

a. What was the 5-year relative survival for:

i. All stages? ___________

ii. Localized?____________

iii. Regional?_____________

iv. Distant?______________

v. Unstaged?____________

b. Describe in words these differences in 5-year relative survival by stage at diagnosis:

(4 points)

c. Now look at these same stage-specific statistics for white and black persons separately (both sexes, all ages). Describe the similarities or differences you see in the 5-year relative survival by stage and race. (4 points)

d. Is the information in the table enough by itself to draw conclusions as to why these race-specific statistics are similar or different? Why or why not? Please answer in complete sentences. (4 points; explanation needed for full credit)

Age-Adjusted Cancer Death Rates by State (Select the specific cancer site from the Section drop-down menu and then the appropriate table)

8) Find the age-adjusted cancer death rates by state for breast cancer in females:

a. Which state has the highest age-adjusted death rate from breast cancer?

_________________

b. Which state has the lowest age-adjusted death rate from breast cancer?

__________________

9) Scroll down to the map of the United States showing the state-specific cancer death rates from breast cancer in females.

a. In which regions of the United States are the states with the highest cancer death rates generally located?

___________________

b. In which regions of the United States are the states with the lowest cancer death rates generally located?

__________________

10) Based on the information provided by this map, how would you geographically target public health strategies to reduce the breast cancer death rate? What epidemiological evidence does the map provide that is useful? What information does it not provide? Note: Do not just name general prevention strategies. Instead, use the information on the map to inform your answer.  Be sure to answer all three questions above. Please answer in complete sentences. (5 points)