Uses of cancer registration information

What is cancer registration information used for?As the only available source of reliable, population-based information on cancer incidence, prevalence and survival rates, cancer registries have an essential role in the implementation and monitoring of key national initiatives, such as the Cancer Reform Strategy in England and Better Cancer Care, an action plan in Scotland, which aim to improve the quality of care and survival prospects for cancer patients.Cancer registries also undertake a range of public health surveillance and health protection functions, with cancer registration information being specifically used to:

• monitor trends in cancer incidence, prevalence and survival with time and among different areas and social groups
• evaluate the effectiveness of cancer prevention and screening programmes. For example, population-based data are required to monitor the effectiveness of the existing NHS Cancer Screening Programmes for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer and to inform the design of new programmes (e.g. screening for ovarian cancer)
• evaluate the quality and outcomes of cancer care, through the provision of comparative data about treatment patterns and outcomes
• evaluate the effect of environmental and social factors on cancer risk and support other investigations into the causes of cancer. Cancer registration information has been used, for example, to investigate cancer risks in relation to power lines, landfill sites and mobile phones
• investigate differences in cancer incidence, survival and access to treatment among social groups and thus contribute to programmes aimed at reducing inequalities in health outcomes
• support the work of cancer genetic counselling services for individuals and families who have a higher risk of developing cancer
• support recalls of specific groups of cancer patients, for example women who were treated for Hodgkin’s disease with radiotherapy and may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer

Cancer registries are also working to improve how they can inform the provision and effectiveness of local cancer services through collaborative projects with other organisations and by consulting with potential users.