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Background Population health indices measure a specific population group's health risk. There is a lack of research on how population indices are used in cancer research. The aim of this study was to provide the first scoping review of the literature on the use of population health indices in cancer research. Methods A scoping review included three databases for research papers, which had to be published anytime through September 2021. PRISMA reporting guidelines were followed throughout this study, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to determine study quality. Results A total of 1493 articles were identified, with 250 meeting the inclusion criteria. Population health indices are used in cancer research to explain the global and regional effects of intervention measures, such as cancer screening programs and policy implementation. Population health indices were also used to study cancer's economic outcomes, the burden of disease, and spatial and temporal patterns. Breast, lung, cervical, liver, and colorectal cancers appeared in most studies. Additionally, there is considerably less cancer research using population health indices in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Conclusions The use of population health indices for cancer research is widespread and can inform various investigations. There is a marked lack of such studies from low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Additionally, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of data across all countries will improve the accuracy of the usefulness of population health indices.

Background: The outbreak of a novel coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), or COVID-19, raised worldwide concern. The present study investigates the association between anti-contagion policies and the spread of COVID-19 across the United States.Design and methods: We selected the most frequently implemented COVID-19 anti-contagion policies in all the U.S. states issued from 29 February 2020. Accordingly, we modified an epidemiological model and combined it with a comprehensive statistical analysis to evaluate the policies' individual and overall likely impact.Results: For the first time, a novel index, evaluates the associations between policy implementation and COVID-19 spread at both statewide and national levels. Our results indicate that governmental policies requiring mask use, businesses social distancing, and quarantining travelers may be most effective for controlling COVID-19 spread. Simultaneously, widespread orders like school closure and safer-at-home that can be particularly disruptive to the economy and social fabric of society may be unnecessary given their lack of association with reducing infection.Conclusions: The absence of any COVID-19 vaccines during the first several months of its pandemic necessitated using governmental policies to help stop the spread of this disease. Our index showed the association between implemented policies and COVID-19 spread, highlighting the specific policies with the greatest association - mandatory quarantine upon entering a state, businesses implementing social distancing, and mandatory mask use - and those with less association like school closure and safer-at-home orders. This study provided evidence to inform policy choices for the current global crisis and future pandemics.