Application of area to point Kriging to breast cancer incidence in Ashanti Region of Ghana

Abstract

This paper provides a spatial analysis of breast cancer incidence in the Ashanti region area during the period of 2010 to 2011. Breast cancer disease has prevalence in Ghana particularly in the major cities including Ashanti region. Geographical units vary in shape and size and incidence count is non homogeneous in nature. For this reason, assigned area to point kriging approach is adopted as methodology. There is a large range of spatial autocorrelation in ages above 40 years than that of below 40 years in the various administrative units. The surrounding administrative units in the regional capital are less endemic for women whose ages are above 40 years. However, for those whose ages are below 40 years in all the surrounding administrative units are endemic but the capital is not. Most of the endemic districts share boundaries with Kumasi metropolis, the regional capital, where the only Teaching hospital is located. Most of the districts do not have good health facilities where women report for early treatment. Key words: Area to point kriging, breast cancer, area to area, kriging.