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IKNL and the NCR Dutch Cancer Atlas Purpose

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Purpose of the Dutch Cancer Atlas

The purpose of the Dutch Cancer Atlas is to show the geographical variation of a wide range of cancer types to a broad audience and, where possible, provide correct interpretation and explanation of the shown geographical patterns. The atlas aims to provide healthcare organizations, researchers, and policymakers (such as government agencies, universities and public health services) with a better understanding of any geographical differences in cancer diagnosis rates and their potential causes. This understanding can lead to further research into the causes of these differences and the implementation of (preventive) measures to reduce the differences and consequently decrease the impact of cancer.

How does IKNL plan to achieve these goals?

IKNL's ambitions regarding the Dutch Cancer Atlas are long-term and require sustained effort. The primary purpose is to increase knowledge among a broad audience, and particularly healthcare professionals and (regional) policymakers (e.g., government agencies and public health services). Based on the knowledge from the atlas and further research, they can stimulate and initiate lifestyle changes, access to healthcare information and (location-specific) preventive measures, tailored to the needs of specific regions and/or populations.

What does the Dutch Cancer Atlas show?

The Dutch Cancer Atlas is accessible to anyone who wants to explore the impact of cancer in different regions of the Netherlands. This interactive digital atlas displays geographical patterns in cancer diagnosis rates for 24 different cancer types and for all cancer types combined. Additionally, it allows filtering of statistics for men and women separately. For some cancer types, there is significant regional variation, while for others, there is little or none. Variation can be the result of differences in lifestyle and other characteristics (such as past exposure to risk factors like sun radiation) of people living in various areas, as well as differences in environmental factors, registration, diagnosis, and access to healthcare (e.g., due to variations in socioeconomic status) in the region. For many cancer types, the cause of the variation is largely unknown or attributed to chance.

Collaboration

The Dutch Cancer Atlas is an initiative by IKNL and is based on the Australian Cancer Atlas. The Dutch Atlas was developed in close collaboration with the Cancer Council Queensland and ViseR (QUT) who created the Australian Cancer Atlas. The public health services (GGD) were involved in interpreting the results and testing the prototype.