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South Carolina Central Cancer Registry


About the Registry


What is a Central Cancer Registry?

A central cancer registry is a data system that collects, stores, analyzes, and interprets cancer data from a defined geographical area. The basic information comes from patients' medical records. All names and data that could identify a patient are kept confidential.

For every cancer case, the registry includes:

  • When the cancer was diagnosed
  • Where the cancer occurred in the body
  • How far advanced the cancer was when it was found
  • The specific type of cancer
  • The patient's first course of treatment
  • Demographics like age, race, gender and county of residence
  • Where does the information on cancer cases come from?

    More than 80% of cases are reported electronically from hospitals with existing cancer registries. The remaining information comes from non-registry hospitals (hospitals without cancer registries), independent pathology laboratories, freestanding treatment centers, and physician offices. Information from non-registry hospitals, independent pathology labs, and freestanding treatment centers is collected by SCCCR staff. Physician offices are asked to report information only on their cancer cases not referred to a hospital setting.

    What about patients who are diagnosed or treated out of state, does the registry get these?

    Yes. The SCCCR has case sharing agreements with 19 states, including all the bordering states. Therefore, if a SC resident is diagnosed or treated in one of these 19 states, the information about that patient is reported to the SCCCR.

    What types of cancer are reported to the central cancer registry?

  • All cancers diagnosed on or after January 1, 1996 among SC residents.
  • Basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin are not reported.
  • Basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the genital sites are reported.
  • Carcinoma in-situ cancers of the cervix are not reported.
  • Is the cancer registry data of good quality?

    Yes. All cancer registry data goes through a stringent quality control process. Currently the SCCCR performs visual review as well as a series of computerized data edits. The SCCCR also conducts quality control audits of its data, including case-finding, coding reliability, and reabstracting audits.

    In addition, the SCCCR participates in CDC national data quality audits. The audits assess the level of data quality and case completeness of cancer reporting in the SCCCR. The lastest audit (2006) found the SCCCR to have a completeness rate of 96.9% and an accuracy rate of 96.4%, both of which exceeded the national standard of 95%.

    Data from the SCCCR are submitted to the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) for an evaluation of completeness, accuracy, and timeliness each year since a formal certification process was established in 1997. The SCCCR consistently receives NAACCR certification. The SCCCR achieved GOLD CERTIFICATION from NAACCR for the most recent data submission, the 2006 data file, with a case completeness estimate of 99.7 % and Gold ratings on all data quality indicators.

    What are the benefits of a Central Cancer Registry?

  • Determines the number, types, and severity of new cancer cases diagnosed each year in SC
  • Studies trends of how often cancers occur in a defined area
  • Identifies high risk groups which need to be targeted for cancer education, prevention, and screening
  • Provides information necessary to answer public questions about cancer in the community
  • Investigates the possible occurrence of more cancer cases than normal in geographical area
  • Provides information for scientific and medical research about cancer in SC


  • If you have any questions or comments about the information on this page please contact: Susan Bolick-Aldrich


    Disclaimer
    This page was last updated on October 28, 2009.