Background

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Wisconsin. Improvements in cancer screening and treatment, and increased knowledge about cancer prevention has helped reduce the overall impact, but much work is still needed.

However, some communities and populations in Wisconsin bear a higher burden in cancer incidence and mortality.
These differences, known as disparities,  complex and varied with potential causes spanning from biology to policy.​
Areas of the maps with blues or cooler colors have lower than expected mortality and areas with yellows, reds, and oranges  or warmer colors have higher than expected mortality.
Maps provided by Dr. Kirsten Beyer and the MCW Geospacial Shared Resource. For additional maps, please visit: https://www.mcw.edu/departments/cancer-center/community-outreach-and-engagement/cancer-in-eastern-wisconsin

How we work

Addressing complex issues like cancer disparities require a comprehensive approach. 
CCSN uses a transdisciplinary approach to bring together the varied perspectives of community members, clinicians, and researchers to understand cancer disparities differently, and then develop and implement solutions.
Adapted from Hall, et al A Four-Phase Model of Transdisciplinary Team-Based Research: Goals, Team Processes, and Strategies. 2012 Transl Behav Med
The work is grounded in three principles:
  1. Deep Equity - honoring difference between team members and recognizing that identity and position influence individual and collective experiences;
  2. Integrating Biology to Policy Perspectives - considering all factors which influence cancer disparities;
  3. Systems Thinking - a holistic approach to considering the factors that contribute to an outcome.

Initiatives 

FUNDING: CCSN is grateful for the funding that allows this work to happen.
The Integration Hub, Research & Community Scholars, Collaborative Work Groups and Mammographic Quality Initiative are solely supported by Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment .
Understanding Prostate Cancer Disparities is funded by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
Understanding Cancer Disparities in the Transgender/Nonbinary Population is funded by a PCORI Eugene Washington Engagement Award.
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