Background
Population-based cancer registries (PBCR) are core public health infrastructures for cancer surveillance and control, yet their implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is challenged by fragmented health systems and heterogeneous information sources. Strengthening PBCR capacity requires systematic identification, integration, and geospatial characterization of data sources to ensure population coverage and case completeness. Digital health and health intelligence tools offer opportunities to operationalize these processes, but evidence from LMIC settings remains limited.
Objectives
To describe the development and geospatial implementation of a digital Information Sources Matrix (ISM) to support capacity building and improve data collection for the National Network of Population-Based Cancer Registries in Mexico.
Methods
We developed a standardized, digitally enabled methodology to identify, validate, classify, and geolocate public and private healthcare establishments serving as information sources for PBCR. Ten sentinel cities across northern, central, and southern Mexico were selected following the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recommendations to achieve approximately 10% national population coverage. Information sources were identified using the Unique Health Care Establishment Code Catalog (CLUES) and validated through multistep quality control, including institutional review, in-house verification by local PBCR teams, and random telephone confirmation.
A geographic information system was constructed using ArcMap to georeference and spatially analyze all public and private information sources, facilitating spatial assessment of source distribution. Interactive data visualization dashboards were developed in Tableau to support analysis and operational use of the ISM by registry teams.
Results
The National PBCR Network covers ten cities and metropolitan areas representing diverse demographic and territorial contexts, with population densities ranging from 10.8 to 9,178 inhabitants/km². A total of 624 information sources without medical office were identified and integrated into the ISM after exclusion of non-eligible facilities. Overall, 98.5% of sources were validated, and 25% were confirmed through direct telephone verification. Geospatial mapping revealed marked territorial heterogeneity in source distribution, highlighting clusters of diagnostic and treatment capacity as well as areas with limited access, particularly in southern regions. The digital ISM enabled systematic planning of active case-finding activities and supported registry implementation stages ranging from opening to established operations.
Information sources were classified into three main domains: a) Hospitals, specialized oncological clinics, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, algology, rehabilitation, alternative clinic, etc., which accounted for 338 sources (54.2%), pathology, hematology, nuclear medicine, and genomic medicine laboratories, and endoscopy-imaging diagnostic cabinets, with 250 sources (40.1%), and others such shelters, foundations,  death administrative office, with 36 sources (5.8%).
Conclusions / Implications
The development of a digital, georeferenced ISM constitutes a capacity-building strategy that translates registry research into actionable public health infrastructure. By systematizing and visualizing information sources, this approach strengthens PBCR implementation, improves coverage and completeness, and supports scalable cancer surveillance in LMIC settings. The methodology is transferable to other countries seeking to modernize cancer registries through digital health tools.

Information sources by centinel city and source domain. Population-Based Cancer Registry, México 2025