The University of Illinois Cancer Center is dedicated to providing information on the impact of cancer on Illinois and its residents. Our Data-Driven Policy and Planning Toolkit is part of our mission.
Are you a government leader, legislator or community organization looking for data to inform policy, create priorities or drive outreach efforts? This toolkit can help.
What We Offer
- Free access to a unique interactive platform that lets you explore and visualize data about the burden of cancer and its risk factors across Illinois
- Scientists who can provide expert testimony
- Assistance with data requests
Examples of What We Can Do for You
- Produce maps that show how total and/or late-stage cancer incidence varies by county, zip code or legislative/congressional districts across Illinois.
- Rank Illinois counties, legislative/congressional districts or zip codes by one of many social determinants of health (e.g., food insecurity).
- Compare poverty rates at a single point in time, or trends over time, in the United States, Illinois and one or more counties, legislative/congressional districts and/or zip codes of interest.
- Generate a demographic and health profile for a Chicago ward or community area or an Illinois legislative/congressional district, county or zip code.
Map: Late-stage breast cancer by zip code
Policy and Advocacy
The Cancer Center has a long history of engaging in meaningful policy and advocacy work at the local, state and federal levels.
- Supported Illinois Cancer Partnership’s Development of the 2022-2027 Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan
- With the American Cancer Society, advocated for:
Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act
Funding for cancer prevention and screening programs, including the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, as well as others for prostate, lung and colorectal screening
Funding for the Illinois Community-Based Assister Program to help Illinoisans enroll in health insurance - Supports the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) and American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) national advocacy efforts
- Cancer genetic testing
- Diversity in clinical trials
Contact Us
To learn more about how cancer researchers can provide expert testimony, and if you need assistance with data requests, please contact: Aminah Abdullah, Associate Director for the Office of Community Engagement and Health Equity, at [email protected]