Cancer Data Registry

“A cancer registry is a data system designed for the collection, management and analysis of data on persons with the diagnosis of a malignant or neoplastic disease (cancer). The basic source document is the patient’s health record, from which pertinent information is abstracted for use in the registry.” (National Cancer Registrars Association, 1998)

This is a primary document that collects demographic information, medical history, diagnostic findings, diagnosis, cancer therapy, and follow-up information. It is important to remember that state confidentiality laws protect patient’s identities.

The registry collects cancer data for the purpose of improving the quality of patient care. The collected data is used to conduct studies that will provide the evidence needed to initiate or improve services here at Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center.

For example, our physicians conducted a study on lung cancer patients using data from our tumor registry. The study found that our lung patients would benefit from improvements regarding their care from diagnosis to treatment. Therefore, the nurse navigator program started a pathway specific to lung patients. This pathway helped create better patient outcomes for our lung patients.

It is required by law that all cancer diagnoses in Connecticut are reported to the Connecticut Tumor Registry. Connecticut’s Tumor Registry is one of 5 statewide designated surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) sites in the country. This is significant because the National Cancer Institute provides funds to maintain these records.