Targeting cancer control: the state cancer control map and data program.

The State Cancer Control Map and Data Program (National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Va) allows state and county mortality maps and data tables to be tailored according to the user's choice of cancer site, age, gender, race, county, and time period between 1953 and 1987. Counties and subpopulations within these maps and data tables that are identified as having exceptionally high rates of specific cancers can then be targeted for early detection or primary prevention. These maps and data tables provide a means for focusing state, local, and individual efforts to reduce cancer mortality in appropriate populations in areas with high mortality rates.