1. Vienna, 2016
Towards developing evidence-based GIS-driven infrastructure for cancer surveillance in Greece.
Dimitra Sifaki-Pistolla
Epidemiologist, MPH, PhD, Cancer Registry of Crete,
Faculty of Medicine,
University of Crete

2. Cancer Registry of Crete
The Cancer Registry of Crete (CRC): Founded in 1992 in Crete, Greece, run by the Clinic of Social and Family Medicine (CSFM) and the Oncology department of the University Hospital. It covers the 4 regions of Crete since 1992; a population of around
Main objective: monitor and map cancer mortality and
morbidity data and assess the cancer burden
Aim of this study: to propose an evidence-based GIS-driven practice for developing infrastructure and methodological framework for cancer surveillance in low resource settings

3. Methods
Data are collected by specially trained staff form the death registries and hospitals of Crete, by distance, while the server is placed at the CSFM (see map).
Database management system (DBMS) technology in the back-end and a graphical user interface (GUI) in visual basic (programming language) were used to construct a CMS suitable for accommodating data collection and managing “big data” . Pilot study to test: functionality, validity, reliability and accuracy.
International standards of disease coding (ICD10-O) and data privacy
The CMS is connected with a Geographic Information System (GIS) that will apply spatio-temporal analysis and dynamic models and export instant reports and maps.

4. Infrastructure, Methodological framework & Preliminary findings
Results
Infrastructure, Methodological framework & Preliminary findings
The new CMS along with the methodological toolkit enabled mapping, correlation with risk factors, estimation of high risk areas and future trends.
Instant reporting of results and info-graphics.
Methodological framework of geo-epidemiological analysis:

5. Key messages & next steps
The proposed practice is considered to be a feasible and cost-effective solution for data monitoring and early problem detection for countries with limited resources. [Budget<35.800€; 1 ½ year]
Lessons learnt:
Best practices are feasible even during the Greek austerity period.
Cancer burden varies among regions of Crete, indicating health inequalities that require geographically-oriented preventive measures.
Contact info
Website:
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Thank you for your attention!!