Worldwide Breast Cancer Map
Breast cancer is a very overwhelming experience, finding information and support doesn't have to be. In 2010, the World Health Organization estimates 1.5 million people will be told they have breast cancer. In the U.S. 13% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer at one point in their lifetime. 1% of breast cancer cases are male, worldwide.
"1 in 10 of all new cancers diagnosed worldwide each year is [breast cancer] and is the most common cancer in women in both developing and developed areas. It is also the principle cause of death from cancer among women globally." (statistic sources)
These statistics can change, when people have clear information that helps them diagnose, treat and survive the disease. Right now this information is scattered throughout the web, I want to change that with this Worldwide Breast Cancer Map mashup that brings people, services, events and educational resources together.
** To really understand this project, watch the video! **
People can navigate a map of their local area to find support groups, treatment and screening centers and events relating to breast cancer.
A directory of people is also mapped out, allowing patients to connect with others in the same situation. Whether it is finding someone going through chemotherapy, or being able to talk with a survivor of the same type of breast cancer, patients can share their experiences and knowledge through sharing public bookmarks, reading blogs, using online communication tools (like skype or messenger), or meeting at the next breast cancer run.
This map can also connect researchers with patients, educators with the public and charities with those involved in the cause.
These information comes through three main sources:
- public directories, such as the published FDA approved mammography center database
- user input, such as a treatment clinic registering their address, hours, web and contact information and breast cancer trials
- educational visuals, from worldwidebreastcancer.com designed to overcome censorship, emotional, educational and geographic issues with breast cancer
A key part of this project is to globalize breast cancer messages through images accessible to women/men of all educational levels.
I am a doctoral researcher studying how to improve breast cancer communication worldwide. I am approaching this a professional graphic designer.
Since 2002, I have been visiting women's clinics, talking to patients, collecting educational materials and studying campaigns to understand the barriers to early diagnosis and care. Some projects that have come from this:
Breast Cancer Screening Posters
Worldwidebreastcancer.com Website
UK Bioinformatics Conference Award Poster
This is a personal issue for me because I have lost two grandmothers to this disease and watched friends battle this illness.
I am able to do the visual interfaces and design for the project, but I still need:
- web developers
- programmers familiar with the google maps api, browser add-ons and blog widgets/plugins
- people who understand the issue personally
or...wealthy philantropists.
I also need input from people in this community to share their ideas and suggestions on how this project can be even better. I look forward to hearing from you.
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfMQSA/mqsa.cfm?start_...
http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/breast-cancer-updates
Google Maps
User submitted: contact, address, hours, links, etc.
