Tumor Registry

What is a cancer registry?

A cancer registry is a data system designed for the compilation, handling and analysis of data of people with a diagnosis of cancer or neoplasic disease. The basic source of information is the clinical file of the patient, from where the pertinent data is obtained for the registry.

The hospital cancer registry is a system where the information of all patients with cancer diagnosed or treated in the hospital institution is compiled. This type of registry can exist in community hospitals and medical centers.

Cancer registry objectives

• Educative: To produce statistical information of registry data to facilitate result evaluation of cancer processing. This information is useful for the education of doctors on results of different modalities of treatment on the different types of cancer.
• Systematic tracking for life: To establish and maintain contact with each registered patient, at least once a year. To stimulate the patient so that he/she fulfills his/her treatment and stays under medical supervision.
• Research: The compiled, analyzed, classified and codified data in the registry serve as a valuable source for scientists interested in the causes, diagnoses and treatments for cancer. Fundamental research in cancer epidemiology usually starts using data compiled in the cancer registries.