Cancer registries
6.24 Cancer registries collect population based data on the incidence, survival and mortality from cancer.
These data can help to identify the causes of cancer leading to strategies for prevention. Cancer registry information is also vital for assessing the effectiveness of screening programmes and cancer treatment services in improving survival rates and reducing mortality.
6.25 These public health benefits depend on the completeness of cancer registration in the population. The government is determined to secure the future of cancer registration and will take the necessary action to ensure this.
6.26 Earlier this year, Professor Charles Gillis, Director of the West of Scotland Cancer Surveillance Unit completed a major review of cancer registration in England, on behalf of the Department of Health. There is variation in data quality and not all registries are currently using electronic approaches to data collection.
6.27 The government will set out its plan to strengthen cancer registries, taking account of the Gillis review, in autumn 2000.
