Current State of Geospatial Approaches in Cancer Prevention Worldwide

Over the years, advances in computing and statistical methodologies have led to an expansion of geospatial methods. Coupled with this expansion is the incorporation of these methods in different areas of health research, including cancer prevention. By including geospatial approaches in cancer prevention research, health researchers and policymakers can more precisely and equitably target limited cancer prevention resources to those who need them most. To orient the reader to this volume, this chapter summarizes how geospatial methods have been applied in the cancer prevention field. Examples are drawn from countries across the world to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the applications of geospatial approaches throughout many regions of the globe.