Which cases must be abstracted and reported by most Cancer Care Registries?

Most Cancer Care Registries are designed to capture a comprehensive picture of cancer incidence and management within a given population. This includes both analytic and non-analytic cases.

Analytic cases refer to those where the diagnosis of cancer has been confirmed and includes patients who are actively treated or monitored. Reporting these cases helps registries evaluate treatment outcomes, survival rates, and population health trends.

Non-analytic cases, on the other hand, involve situations such as patients diagnosed outside of the registry area, patients diagnosed years before enrollment, or those whose treatment is limited to observation without intervention. They are important to report as well because understanding the full spectrum of cancer cases — including those that may not be receiving treatment but still require monitoring — enriches the data available for research, ensures comprehensive epidemiological tracking, and aids in public health strategy development.

By including both types of cases, registries can fulfill their roles in improving cancer care, conducting research, understanding disease patterns, and informing policy decisions. Therefore, the inclusion of both analytic and non-analytic cases in the registry's data collection efforts is essential for maintaining a thorough and effective cancer registry.