What is the NPCR / NAACCR standard for duplicate cases in a central registry?

The NPCR (National Program of Cancer Registries) and NAACCR (North American Association of Central Cancer Registries) set standards for the quality and accuracy of cancer registries, including acceptable levels for duplicate cases. A standard of 1 in 1,000 cases indicates that for every 1,000 cancer cases recorded in the central registry, only one case can be a duplicate. This benchmark reflects a commitment to maintaining high-quality data that enhances cancer surveillance and research. It helps ensure that cancer statistics and trends are reliable, which is essential for effective public health initiatives and resource allocation.

In setting this standard, the NPCR/NAACCR aims to ensure that the data collected is not only comprehensive but also avoids inflation from duplicates that could mislead analysis and outcomes. Lower ratios of acceptable duplicates would require more rigorous data management practices and can lead to delays or additional costs, which may not be practical for all registries. Therefore, the standard of 1 in 1,000 cases serves as a widely accepted benchmark for balance between data quality and operational feasibility.