Transform data into insights that strengthen research, inform community partnerships, and help close gaps in cancer outcomes across Ohio.
Cancer InFocus Ohio is an interactive mapping and data visualization platform that allows researchers, clinicians, public health professionals, community organizations, and residents to explore cancer burden alongside the factors that influence health in communities across the state.
For investigators, the platform provides a powerful tool for identifying catchment-area patterns in cancer incidence and mortality, understanding community-level risk factors, informing study design, strengthening grant applications, targeting outreach efforts, and developing research questions that address real-world challenges. By viewing cancer data alongside social, environmental, and healthcare-related factors, researchers can uncover opportunities to better understand and address differences in cancer outcomes across populations and communities.
Cancer InFocus Ohio combines county-level cancer incidence and mortality data with census tract-level information on risk factors, social drivers of health, healthcare access, and community characteristics. The ability to visualize multiple data layers simultaneously helps users move beyond statistics to identify trends, priorities, and opportunities for action.
Community organizations, healthcare providers, and public health leaders can use the platform to better understand local needs, target prevention and screening initiatives, develop community partnerships, and inform programs designed to improve cancer outcomes. Residents and community members can explore how cancer trends, risk factors, and access to care vary across Ohio and gain a deeper understanding of the factors that shape health where they live.
Whether you are designing a research study, planning a community intervention, allocating resources, or seeking information about your community, Cancer InFocus Ohio helps connect data to action. By making complex information more accessible and meaningful, the platform supports informed decision-making and helps identify opportunities to close gaps in cancer outcomes across Ohio.
Instructional Video:
Click here to access Cancer InFocus Ohio
Cancer InFocus was originally developed at University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center. Cancer InFocus Ohio is hosted by the Population Cancer Analytics Shared Resource of Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Any questions regarding this application or the data being used can be directed to johnie.rose@case.edu
Access the Written Instructions (PDF)