herefore, in this study, we explored the regional variations in cancer outcomes across Canada and the potential associated variables, including distance to nearest radiotherapy centre and sociodemographic factors, and the impact of any spatial relationships.
METHODS
Study design
Each province in Canada is divided into health regions, which are administrative areas defined by provincial ministries of health (XX). Statistics Canada collects information on cancer incidence and mortality by health region, and we therefore conducted a cross-sectional study using this administrative level to compare oncologic outcomes and assess the potential contributing factors across Canada. For the province of Ontario which is divided into either public health units or local health integration networks, we chose to use public health units as there were a greater number of divisions within the province.