This atlas investigates the geographic distribution and spatial patterns of cancer mortality rates among the white population in the United States to identify potential environmental or demographic correlations.

Authored by Linda W. Pickle, a researcher specializing in spatial statistics and public health, this work utilizes extensive mortality data collected by the National Cancer Institute. The text provides a systematic framework for visualizing health outcomes through cartographic representation, allowing for the identification of regional clusters that may warrant further epidemiological study. By mapping these trends, the author establishes a baseline for understanding how geographic factors intersect with public health outcomes.

Public health researchers and epidemiologists frequently cite this atlas as a foundational resource for spatial analysis in oncology. Experts highlight the clarity of the visual data, noting that it remains a standard reference for understanding historical geographic disparities in cancer mortality.