BACKGROUND:
Population-based cancer registries are a core component of cancer surveillance, providing data on incidence, stage at diagnosis, and survival across defined populations. Although these indicators are central to monitoring cancer outcomes, their use in cancer control planning and equity assessment is often constrained by limited accessibility and static reporting formats. Interactive data visualization tools can enhance the usability of registry outputs by enabling exploration of patterns across population subgroups and time periods, thereby supporting more informed interpretation and application of cancer surveillance data.
OBJECTIVE:
To demonstrate how population-based cancer registry (PBCR) incidence data can be translated into an interactive national dashboard to support cancer surveillance, examine population heterogeneity, and inform cancer control planning and decision-making in Qatar.
METHODS:
PBCR data covering the period 2014–2022 were used to generate incidence indicators for cancer surveillance and planning. Core variables included age at diagnosis, sex, nationality, and primary cancer site. Incidence patterns were described using age-specific incidence rates, age-standardized rates, and cumulative risk, allowing comparison across population subgroups and time periods. These indicators were used to illustrate population heterogeneity and support equity-focused interpretation.
The incidence indicators were integrated into an interactive dashboard developed using Microsoft PowerBI, enabling dynamic filtering and visualization across cancer sites, calendar periods, and demographic subgroups. The dashboard was designed to support exploratory interpretation for routine surveillance and cancer control planning rather than formal statistical inference.
Access was initially provided to registered users through the Qatar Cancer Information Center (QCIC), including policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals. Data governance, validation, and update processes were embedded to ensure data quality and appropriate interpretation.
RESULTS:
Early implementation demonstrated the dashboard’s utility in translating population-based registry data into timely and accessible, policy-relevant insights. Registry quality indicators supported confidence in the use of these data for routine surveillance and planning, including high diagnostic validity and low reliance on death certificate–only reporting.
Stage distribution summaries highlighted substantial variation at diagnosis, underscoring the importance of stratified analysis for identifying priorities in early detection and service planning. By enabling near real-time visualization of incidence patterns and stage profiles, the dashboard facilitated dialogue between researchers and policymakers and supported strategic discussions within the national cancer control program, including screening refinement and resource allocation.
Building on this experience, plans are underway to expand access and make selected dashboard components publicly available to promote transparency and broader engagement with national cancer data.
CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS:
This initiative demonstrates the value of digital health tools in strengthening the translation of population-based cancer surveillance data into public health action. National cancer dashboards can enhance access to registry evidence, support policy dialogue, and foster a shared understanding of cancer burden across sectors. Expanding public access to cancer surveillance information, supported by robust governance, represents an important step toward more transparent and evidence-driven cancer control. The approach offers transferable lessons for other countries seeking to leverage digital solutions to bridge research and policy.