In the cartographic practice of cancer epidemiology, there are established standards for the formation of rates and proportions for spatial analyses. However, due to the problem of low case numbers, the visualisation of rare diagnoses or the evaluation at a small spatial level was not carried out in the past. In order to address this gap, indicators based on Bayesian spatial models are currently being established. The new “Small-scale Cancer Atlas for Lower Saxony” published by the Epidemiological Cancer Registry of Lower Saxony (EKN) is methodically based on the “Australian Cancer Atlas” and presents cancer incidences (Standardised Incidence Ratios) of selected diagnoses on the basis of small-scale areas of at least 5000 inhabitants. As a result, selected cancer diagnoses for Lower Saxony can be visualised on a small area basis for the first time. Relevant spatial patterns, for example in the occurrence of mesothelium (C45), emerge clearly. However, this is accompanied by increased explanatory effort in the title and legend design as well as the description of the complex methodology. The presentation provides an insight into the editorial process and discusses the consequences of the statistical methods for the cartographic communication.