In this activity, you will examine and interpret lung cancer incidence rates in the United States over a 40 year period and compare trends over time between males and females. 

Step 1: Access the SEER*Explorer (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program) data from the U.S National Cancer Institute. Spend at least 10 minutes exploring the data and the functionality of this interactive data-generating tool.

Step 2: Generate a graph that illustrates the incidence rates for lung cancer from 1975 to 2017. Ensure that your data set contains information on both sexes.

Use the Seer*Explorer to generate the graph. Make the following selections in the dropdown menus: ‘Lung & Bronchus’ for Choose Cancer Site, ‘SEER Incidence’ for Data Source, 'Race/Ethnicity' for Characteristics to Compare, ‘Both Sexes’ for Sex, ‘All Races (includes Hispanics)’ for Race/Ethnicity Legend, and ‘All Ages’ for Age. Once you have generated the graph, be sure to read the information regarding the 'Data Source' found below the graph to ensure you understand how the data were generated. Click on 'Download and Share' to access the option to save the image.  

Step 3: Answer each of the following questions about the data on cancer incidence in 100 words or less.

1. What types of incidence rates are being presented here?

2. What do the crude incidence rates tell us?

3. What do age-adjusted rates tell us?

4. Why is it important to age-adjust the rate?

Describe the change in U.S. lung cancer incidence from 1975 to 2017 in both men and women combined. Discuss the factors that may account for the observed trends during this time period. Your answer should contain a maximum of 250 words. Be sure to include a copy of your graph in your completed assignment.  

Step 4: Generate a new graph that illustrates the incidence rates for lung cancer in males from 1975 to 2017. Next, include the incidence rates for lung cancer in females during the same time period. Save the graphs.

Step 5: Compare and contrast lung cancer incidence rates in males and in females from 1975 to 2017. Discuss the factors that may account for any observed differences. Be sure to justify your answer. Your answer should contain about 250 to 350 words. Be sure to include a copy of your graphs in your completed assignment. 

Step 6: Discuss why it is important for public health practitioners to examine trends in incidence rates over time. Your answer should contain about 150 to 250 words.

Step 7: Review your work by asking yourself the questions listed below and then revise your document accordingly before final submission to ensure you capture the self-evaluation questions:

1. Have I clearly identified the type of incidence rates used and explained the importance of age adjustment in these rates?
2. Have I discussed, in my own words, the potential factors that might explain the observed trends in cancer incidence rates from 1975 to 2017 (in both men and women combined)?
3. Have I considered and written about possible factors that could have led to any differences in lung cancer incidence rates between males and females during the same time period?
4. Have I included the required graphs as part of my assignment submission?
5. Does my assignment adhere to the word limit, not exceeding 250 words?

Use these self-review criteria to ensure your assignment's content is both accurate and complete. After making any needed changes and confirming your compliance with the word limit, submit the polished version of your assignment to the designated area for evaluation within the self-paced course platform.

Step 8: Submit your assignment by clicking “add a new discussion topic” below and completing the fields.

OPTIONAL Step 9: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”

Incidence and prevalence tell different stories about the same health outcome. Which measure provides the most useful information about the individual level risk of acquiring an illness and why?  Share your thoughts  by clicking on the button below and include the title "Discussion: Incidence and Prevalence" in the subject line. 

The age-adjusted death rate from myocardial infarction (heart attack) has decreased consistently and dramatically in most of the western world over the past 40 years. Does this necessarily indicate that an individual has a decreased risk of dying from a heart attack? Justify your answer.