Which term describes the process of identifying all cases of cancer for registry purposes?

The term that describes the process of identifying all cases of cancer for registry purposes is known as case ascertainment. This process involves systematically searching for and confirming the presence of cancer cases within a designated population or healthcare system. It ensures that all diagnosed cases are accurately recorded in the cancer registry, which is crucial for research, statistics, and public health efforts aimed at understanding cancer incidence and outcomes.

Case ascertainment plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and comprehensiveness of cancer registries. It often involves collaboration with healthcare providers, review of medical records, and utilizing various data sources to ensure that no cases are overlooked. The effectiveness of case ascertainment directly impacts the quality of data that registries provide for research, policy-making, and cancer control efforts.

Other terms like data collection, data submission, and quality assurance, while related to the overall management of a cancer registry, do not specifically refer to the process of identifying all cancer cases. Data collection is broader and can refer to gathering information from various sources, data submission involves sending collected information to a registry, and quality assurance focuses on maintaining data accuracy and reliability after cases have been identified.