The new release of Vesta includes the Joinpoint Regression method that builds upon the techniques and software developed by the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance program. NCI’s Joinpoint focuses on cancer rates and trends; at BioMedware, we see much wider application areas.
What is Joinpoint?
The Joinpoint technique itself is practical and innovative, allowing users to identify when significant changes in a time trend occur. BioMedware extends this technique to space-time data in general, with time trends observed across multiple areas. We’re also extending joinpoint regression to compositional data under a grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
So where’s the difference between these popular joinpoint methods? Let’s undertake a quick comparison of the NCI and BioMedware Joinpoint software.
Functionality
Both programs provide joinpoint regression analysis, allowing users to identify points where significant changes in data trends occur. The NCI’s Joinpoint Regression Program is primarily designed for analyzing cancer trends and is widely used in epidemiological research. Vesta, on the other hand, offers a broader range of analytical tools, including geostatistical methods and space-time data visualization.
Usability
The NCI’s software features a graphical user interface suitable for interactive use, making it accessible for users focusing on cancer trend analysis. Vesta boasts a user-friendly design aimed at facilitating smooth data import, exploration of spatial patterns, and time forecasting, catering to both seasoned geostatisticians and non-expert users.
Ability to Handle Time Trends Across Multiple Geographic Areas
Vesta stands out in its capability to analyze temporal trends within a spatial framework, allowing for the separate analysis and modeling of individual geographical units. This feature is particularly useful for exploring how characteristics of time series vary spatially. In contrast, the NCI’s Joinpoint Regression Program does not inherently support spatial analysis across multiple geographic areas.
Supported Data Formats
The NCI’s software is tailored for specific datasets, such as those from SEER*Stat, which may limit its flexibility in handling various data formats. Vesta supports a wider array of data formats, including .xlsx and .csv files, and accommodates datasets with different cartographic projections, enhancing its versatility in data analysis.
Handling of Compositional Data
Vesta includes tools for analyzing compositional data, which are data where the components are proportions of a whole (e.g., percentages). This capability allows users to model relationships and trends while accounting for the inherent constraints of compositional data. The NCI Joinpoint Regression Program does not include specific features for handling compositional data.
Interested in giving Vesta a try? A free, 30-day trial is available here.
BioMedware and NAACCR 2025 Annual Meeting
BioMedware will be holding a 2-day workshop in collaboration with the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) 2025 annual meeting. The workshop will occur immediately before the meeting, and attendance is free of charge. To be held in Hartford Connecticut, you can learn more about the meeting, and workshop here.
Interested in JoinPoint? Reach out to us at BioMedware.