Success Story: Transforming Cancer Data Access in Wisconsin
Challenge: Isolated Data, Limited Usability
In Wisconsin, critical cancer-related data were scattered across numerous local and national platforms—including the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System (WCRS), Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health (WISH), CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS). These fragmented sources made it difficult for stakeholders to efficiently access and use the data to inform cancer prevention and control strategies. The Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative recognized the need for a unified, user-friendly platform to streamline data access and empower public health action.
Action: A Centralized, Data-Driven Solution
To address this challenge, the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative launched an ambitious initiative to compile and synthesize cancer data into a comprehensive, accessible format. The effort involved:
- Curating 119 data topics and 8,687 data elements across all 72 Wisconsin counties and the state.
- Aggregating information from 13+ trusted data sources.
- Distributing customized cancer profiles in person to 154 state and federal legislators.
The result was two groundbreaking resources:
- County Cancer Profiles – Concise, one-page, printer-friendly snapshots of cancer outcomes, risk factors, and demographic data for each county and the state.
- Cancer Data Dashboard – An interactive, online tool that provides customizable views of the latest cancer statistics from 2018–2022.
These tools highlight age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates, top 10 cancers by burden, cancer screening rates, risk and protective factors, access to care, and environmental influences—all in a format designed to inform and inspire action.
Impact: Data that Drives Decisions
The County Cancer Profiles and Data Dashboard have become vital tools for cancer control efforts in Wisconsin. Cancer prevention and control collaborators, researchers, policy makers, legislators, and community members have access to a centralized, easy-to-navigate platform that delivers comprehensive, county-specific cancer data.
These tools help stakeholders:
- Identify and prioritize cancer-related challenges by region.
- Tailor public health strategies based on current data.
- Advocate for equitable resources and interventions.
- Monitor trends and evaluate the impact of prevention efforts.
Lessons Learned: Accessibility Enables Action
One of the key takeaways from this project is the transformative power of accessible data. When cancer statistics are consolidated and clearly presented, they become more than numbers—they become a catalyst for informed decision-making, targeted interventions, and life-saving policies. This initiative underscores the importance of ongoing investment in data transparency, infrastructure, and cross-agency collaboration to reduce the cancer burden in Wisconsin.