What is the “Atlas of Cancer Mortality in the United States, 1950-94”?
The atlas is a book of maps, text, tables, and figures showing the geographic patterns of cancer death rates throughout the United States from 1950-94 for more than 40 cancers. The atlas was prepared and published by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Featured in the atlas are 254 color-coded maps that show the geographic variations in cancer mortality rates during 1970-94 compared to those during 1950-69. Different colors represent higher or lower rates. The color maps make it easy to pinpoint geographic areas with average, below average, or elevated rates. 2. What is the purpose of the atlas? The geographic patterns of cancer may provide important clues to the causes of cancer. The atlas does not provide information about why death rates may be higher in certain localities than in others, but it can generate leads for in-depth epidemiologic studies that may shed light on factors contributing to cancer risks. Possible risk factors include tobacco use, occupational exposures, dietary
