What is the surest method for identifying potentially missing reportable cases in cancer registries?

The surest method for identifying potentially missing reportable cases in cancer registries is through the Death Certificate Follow-Back process. This approach leverages the information contained in death certificates, which often list the cause of death and can indicate if individuals had a history of cancer. By reviewing these records, registries can identify patients who may not have been previously reported as diagnosed with cancer but who meet the criteria for inclusion in the registry based on their death records.

The Death Certificate Follow-Back method is particularly valuable because it systematically captures cases that may escape detection through other reporting mechanisms, especially for deceased individuals. This method helps ensure a more complete and accurate cancer registry by seeking out cases that were not initially reported, thus facilitating better cancer surveillance and research.

Other methods, while useful, do not provide the same level of assurance in identifying missing cases. For example, case audits involve reviewing a sample of records to verify completeness but may miss unreported cases entirely. Physician referrals rely on voluntary reporting from healthcare providers, which can be inconsistent, and patient interviews can introduce bias and inaccuracies, especially if patients do not recall their medical history accurately. Consequently, the Death Certificate Follow-Back method stands out as the most reliable for uncovering potentially missing reportable cancer cases.