Central Queensland University

MAP REPORT
Student name: Rachael-Lyn Anderson
Student code: 12143136
Study Mode: Distance
Course: GEOH11001 Introduction to Human Geography
Assessment: Assignment 1 Map Report (1800-2000 words limit).
Word Count: 1907 words
Due date: Term 2, 4th September 2020

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Human geography explores the interaction of people and places, and the organization of
space and society to establish an understanding of others within communities, regions and the
world (Fouberg et al., 2014). There are many focus areas depicted in human geography.
Health is examined in human geography due to the risk of spatial location and relations,
environmental impacts, patterns of distribution, and other sources that impact public health
and disease outbreaks (Dummer, 2008). This map report will explore two thematic choropleth
maps focusing on the areas of breast cancer and diabetes. Firstly, map 1 will examine the
global number of people with Breast cancer. Secondly, map 2 will examine the global
prevalence of people with diabetes in Australia. ✔

Map 1: Global number of people with Breast cancer

Breast Cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer affecting the population of women
globally, as represented in Figure 1. Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of the cells lining
the breast lobules or ducts. The cells grow uncontrollably with the potential to spread to other
regions of the body (Cancer Council Australia, n.d). Every sixth death relates to some type of
cancer and Breast cancer has been ranked as the fifth cause of cancer deaths worldwide
(Ritchie & Roser, 2018). The impact and cause of breast cancer are explored as an issue in
human geography.

Figure 1-International Variation in Breast Cancer Incidence Rates in 2018

Source: American Cancer Society, GLOBOCAN 2018✔
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Thematic maps narrate a topic through characteristics, variations in visual and graphic
variables and arrangement distributions (Fouberg et al., 2014). Figure 1 is a quantitative
thematic map (Brown & LeVasseur, 2006 citied in CQUniversity 2020, mod.1, p.2),
representing the total number of people of all ages and sexes, diagnosed with breast cancer in
2018. The map has been sourced from a factsheet on international cancer burdens, estimated
numbers of new cancers cases and deaths worldwide and by the level of development. This
map is available at the American Cancer Society website. The American Cancer Society, is a
nationwide, community-based voluntary online health organization, dedicated to eliminating
cancer as a major health program worldwide through research, policy changes, support, and
partnerships with other health organizations and agencies (American Cancer Society. 2018).
The map data source has been obtained from the International Agency for Research on
Cancer and GLOBOCAN 2018. ✔
For a map to be a useful, usable and fundamental tool for geographers, it requires map
elements such as title, scale, legends and a north arrow (Haklay, 2010). This map is inclusive
of a title, scale and legend, and does not exhibit a north arrow. The map title is clearly stated
at the top as the international variation in breast cancer incidents rates, 2018. The
composition of the population is clearly stated in the title of it being measured across both
sexes and all ages. Figure 1 is at an international scale, which exhibits the general density
trends of variations in breast cancer incidents rates via colour spectrums represented in the
legend. The map legend represents the number of people, in various increments in thousands
and millions with breast cancer via colours of blues, reds, greens, yellows, and grey. This is
the key to interpret the information on the map. Better to discuss in more details the 6
categories: what color code represents what range of number on the map.
Thematic maps that use shaded or cross-hatched coloured mapping are known as Choropleth
(CQUniversity 2020, mod.1, p.9). On the bottom right of the map, American Cancer Society
is displayed with the copyright logo, and the bottom left of the map indicates the data sourced
from GLOBOCAN 2018.
Scale is one of the most important concepts in human geography, it is crucial to the studies of
population and can determine different observations and patterns of details and theme that is
presented globally compared to one that is presented on a smaller region (Fouberg et al.,
2014). The world map in Figure 1, is a large scale area that establishes wider generalised
patterns.

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When the scale area of a map is focused to a smaller regional area, it will present specific
region patterns and distort the findings at the different spectrums, resulting in changed
outcomes of the topic being examined. (Fouberg et al., 2014).
Understanding the distribution patterns of a theme enables geographers to analyse why
issues present in certain environments (Fouberg et al., 2014). As breast cancer is a global
health occurrence, immense research has been conducted to obtain data, and establish the
prevalence of breast cancer affecting the female population. In 1990, breast cancer incidence
rates rose approximately by 30% (American Cancer Society, 2018,), and in 2017, there was
an estimate of 17 million people around the world suffering from breast cancer (Ritchie &
Roser, 2018). IHME reported that, in 2017, 611, 625 people perished from breast cancer
globally (Ritchie & Roser, 2018).

The spatial patterns of countries with cancer can be determined from colours of blues, reds,
greens, yellows, and grey. Those shaded in red indicate countries with high rates of breast
cancer: 80% (80% of what?) from Canada, United States of America, Australia, New
Zealand, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany,
Netherlands, Switzerland, and Slovakia. On the lower spectrum, countries shaded in blue had
the lowest number of people with breast cancer: 25.6% from Mongolia, India, Angola,
Botswana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo,
Libya, Guinea, Burkina Fasco, Niger, Gabon, Congo, and Yemen (American Cancer Society
2018.). The map does not indicate the precise number of people, as the legend presents a
distribution where the country is apportioned. What the percentages means? It seems you are
not clear the information of the legend.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that generally, lung, prostate, colorectal,
stomach and liver cancers are more prevalent with men, whilst breast, colorectal, lung,
cervical and thyroid cancers are more prevalent with women (WHO, 2018). The pyramid in
Figure 2 displays the numbers of people with different cancer types in 2017. The top three
prevalent cancers people suffered from are breast cancer, prostate, and colon and rectum
cancer.

The higher prevalence of breast cancers overall was in high development countries due to
their lifestyle of physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, obesity, exposure to female
hormones, and weight gain (American Cancer Society, 2018.)Several recommendations can
assist to lower the risk of developing cancer. This can be via early detection with

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mammography screening, clinical breast examination, programs to raise public awareness,
(American Cancer Society. 2018), limiting or ceasing alcohol consumption, maintain a
healthy weight, eating healthy, increase physical activity, (American Association of Cancer
Research (AACR), 2016), and minimalizing the exposure to female hormones. The AACR
(2016) and Cancer Council Australia (2020) recommended that people who have a very
strong family history of cancer, should undertake advanced screenings for early detection and
appropriately treated accordingly to significantly improve breast cancer survival.
Figure 2 - Share of population with cancer by type in 2017

Source: Ritchie & Roser 2018

In human geography, spatial and ecological perspective are key to determining perspective is
key to determining the geographical trends of a subject matter rent trends of a subject matter
(Fouberg et al., 2014). By determining the cause and effect factors, it can help control and
reduce the issue. The overall trend of people’s lifestyle and environment are correlated with
the development of breast cancer. Changing a person’s lifestyle and the use of early detection
presents a solution to reduce the number of people with and dying from breast cancer
worldwide. ✔

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Map 2: Prevalence of people with Type 2 Diabetes in Australia.
Type 2 diabetes is due to the human pancreas not producing as much insulin as the body
requires, or it does not work effectively. Type 2 diabetes results from a combination of
genetic and environmental factors with genes playing a significant role. (National Diabetes
Service Scheme, n.d). With more than 463 million adults living with diabetes globally in
2019, the rise is a continuous health concern that will rise to 700 million by 2045.
(International Diabetes Federation, 2020). Type 2 is another type of non-communicable
diseases impacting the population. As this is a health concern, the map in Figure 3 will be
explored concerning human geography. ✔
Figure 3 - Prevalence of people with Type 2 Diabetes in Australia, 2017

Source: National Diabetes Service Scheme, 2020

Figure 3 is also a thematic map that portrays the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among
Australians by state and territory in 2020. The map has been sourced from the National
Diabetes Service Scheme Diabetes Facts and Figures Map section within the NDSS website.
NDSS is a large organisation that focuses on diabetes in Australia. The map data source has
been obtained from the NDSS, Australian Government and Diabetes Australia.
The elements of the map include a scale and legend. The map does not display a title. The
scale is of Australia. As the map in Figure 1, this is a generalised map using colour mapping
in the map and the legend. The denomination of the legend colours symbolises the percentage
sections of Australians with diabetes. The high percentages of people with diabetes are
distinguished by the red shaded areas, indicating that there are 91.9% of people with type 2
diabetes in the Northern Territory (are you sure??? I don’t believe it. Please check the data
again). The lowest percentages of people with type 2 diabetes are prominent by the dark blue

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shaded areas, representing 86.1% of people with diabetes in Tasmania. The map displays the
NDSS logo and Diabetes Australia logos in the top left corner. I don’t think you correctly
understand the data.
The map does not indicate the precise number of people, as the legend presents a distribution
where the country is apportioned. However, as it is an interactive map in the web article, the
number of people can be retrieved by hovering over a country on the map.
The growth of cities and the changes in nature have an overwhelming effect on health and
well-being. Diabetes in Australia is connected to factors that influence the structure of local
built environments and socio-cultural shifts impacting physical activity, and food availability
(Dummer, 2008). According to the Australian Institue of Health and Welfare (2018), people
living in remote areas have a high prevalence of diabetes-related risk factors compared with
others. The Northern Territory has a population with unique demographics compared with
other states. The territory’s rates of socio-economic disadvantage are high, with challenges in
the delivery of health service. There are likely to be several factors contributing to the high
percentage of people with diabetes in this region. These include social determinants of health
such as low income, unemployment, alcohol consumption and domestic violence. There are
low levels of education and knowledge of health, problems with food security, and
unexperienced hospital staff and primary carers. Staffs in community health centres may not
have specific training in diabetes; thus, becoming less of a priority because of resource
utilisation (Stone, M., Baker, A. & Maple Brown, L., 2013 –authors’ surname and date only).
Health inequalities due to social-economic status, food availability and not expelling any
exertion through physical activity leads to diabetes. Education and hospital staffing needs to
be incorporated in the daily life of people with diabetes in remote and rural Australia to lower
the effects of diabetes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this map has explored the diverse issues relating to breast cancer and diabetes.
Both topics of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes are meaningful in human geography as they
significantly influence the population. People’s lifestyles, choices, and environments can
impact whether they are susceptible to diabetes and breast cancer. Most factors are initiated
by the individual. Excess eating with low physical activity and excess alcohol consumption
causing diabetes and breast cancer. By adjusting lifestyle choices and behaviours, it can
lower the risk of breast cancer and diabetes, leading to a long, and healthy life. ✔

References citation format of each reference needs to be consistent

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American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) 2016, AACR Cancer Progress Report 2016. The
Journal of Clinical and Translational Research, vol. 12, no. 19, pp. S1-S137.

American Cancer Society. 2018 Global Cancer Facts & Figures 4th Edition. Atlanta: American Cancer
Society.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2018, Diabetes Indicators Strategy 2016-2020, viewed 4
September 2020, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes-indicators-strategy-2016-
2020/contents/goal-5

Cancer Council Australia, n.d, Type of Cancer: Breast Cancer, viewed 18 August 2020,
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer

Cancer Council Australia, 2020, Cancer Council Australia, Breast Cancer Screening, viewed 18 August
2020 https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/early-detection-and-
screening/breast-cancer-screening

CQUniversity 2020, GEOGH11001: Introduction to Human Geography Module 1: study guide,

CQUniversity, e-Units, http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/

Dummer, T 2008, Health geography: supporting public health policy and planning. (Public health)
(Report), CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal, vol. 178, no. 9, pp. 1177–1180.

Fouberg, E, Murphy, A & de Blij, H 2014, Human Geography: People, Place and Culture, 11th ed.,
Wiley, New Jersy.

Haklay, M 2010, Practical Cartography. In Interacting with Geospatial Technologies, John Wiley &
Sons Ltd, Chichester.

International Diabetes Federation, 2020, Diabetes Facts and Figures, viewed 15 August 2020
https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes/facts-figures.html

National Diabetes Service Scheme, n.d, Australian Diabetes Map, viewed 8 August 2020,
https://www.ndss.com.au/about-the-ndss/diabetes-facts-and-figures/australian-diabetes-map/

National Diabetes Services Scheme. 2020 Diabetes Australia Type 2 Diabetes, viewed 6 August 2020
https://www.ndss.com.au/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes/

Ritchie, H & Roser, M 2018, Cancer, viewed 8 August 2020, https://ourworldindata.org/cancer

Stone, M., Baker, A. & Maple Brown, L., 2013. Diabetes in young people in the Top End of the
Northern Territory. Journal of paediatrics and child health, 49(11), pp.976–979.

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World Health Organization (WHO) 2018, Cancer, viewed 15 August 2020,
http://www.who.int/cancer/en

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 Map Report Marking Criteria
Marking HD (84.5-100)
criteria
Quality and  High quality of maps with
relevancy of clear legends and scales;
map (5pt,
 The maps clearly relate
12.5%)
and are contributed to
understanding aspects of
human geography;
 Outstanding description
of information on both
maps and mapping
subjects;
 Well articulation of the
mapping subjects to the
geographic context.
D (74.5-84)
 High quality of maps
with clear legends and
scales;
 The maps are excellent
sources to understanding
aspects of human
geography.
 Distinct description of
information on both maps
and mapping subjects;
 Articulation of the
mapping subjects to the
geographic context.
C (64.5-74)
 The maps with clear
legends and scales;
 The maps are contributed
to understanding
aspects of human
geography.
 Good description of key
information on both maps
and mapping subjects;
 Some discussions of
the geographic context
of the maps.
P (49.5-64)
 The maps with
identifiable legends and
scales;
 The maps are contributed
to understanding aspects
of human geography.
 Basic description of
√
information on both
maps and mapping
subjects;
 Description of basic
geographic context of
the maps.
F (<49)
 Poor quality of the
maps;
 The maps are less or
not relevant to
understanding of
human geography.
 Failure to identify
and describe
information on both
maps and mapping
subjects.

Map  Outstanding application of
interpretation geographic concepts and
(25pt, 62.5%) approaches to interpretation of
mapping subjects;
 Outstanding identification
and description of
distribution of the
mapping subjects;
 Well explanation of
spatial patterns and
their geographic
connections and
relations.
 Excellent application of
geographic concepts and
approaches to interpretation
of mapping subjects;
 Well identification and
description of
distribution of the
mapping subjects;
 Good explanation of
spatial patterns and their
geographic connections
and relations.
 Good application of
geographic concepts and
approaches to
interpretation of mapping
subjects;
 Identification of some
distribution patterns of
the mapping subjects.
 Some explanations of
spatial connections and
relations.
 Adequate application  Little research on
the mapping
 of geographic concepts and
subjects;
approaches to interpretation
of mapping subjects;  Applying no
geographic
 Identification and
approaches to
description of some
√
basic distribution
patterns and spatial
interpretation of
mapping subjects.
relations.

Communication  Outstanding report
(10pt, 25%) presentation with an
excellent structure.
 Excellent English expressions
with correct grammar and
 Excellent report
presentation with a clear
structure;
 Good English expressions;
 Report presentation
with a structure;
 Good English expressions
with a few grammatical
errors;
 Report presentation with
key structural elements;
 Sound English expressions
with some grammatical
errors;
 Poor report
presentation with
frequent grammatical
and paragraph
structure errors;

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 punctuation;  Sufficiency and quality  Sufficiency of academic  Use of some academic  No use of academic
of references; references and references. references or sources
 High quality references;
references are mostly are not
 Consistent style of referencing
 Correct and consistent acknowledged. acknowledged.
throughout.
style of referencing
throughout.

Mark 25/40 Strength and improvement:

 You report includes 2 maps discussing similar theme. The first map displayed the breast cancer incidence rates in the world
and the second is about the prevalence of people with type 2 diabetes in Australia.
 You are able to interpret basic information on the maps, especially the map elements.
 However, you have difficult to understand incidence rates reported in the two maps. Because of this mistake, your
Jiaping explanation the distribution of incidences was wrong.
Wu 10/9  It would be better if you could focus on explaining the distributive patterns by using the categories of the map legend,
which countries (the first map) and states (second map) have most, medium and low rates of incidences.
 You need to pay attention to your referencing.
Overall, you have made a good effort.

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