Data Collection

Cancer patient data are collected from hospitals, pathology laboratories, cancer treatment centers, and Iowa death certificates. The Iowa Cancer Registry (ICR) also collects data from targeted physicians that send their pathology specimens to out-of-state laboratories. Data are collected by 21 field representatives who are responsible for casefinding in their coverage areas.

Some cancer programs submit their data directly to the ICR. The ICR also has data exchange agreements with other states. Data are submitted to the SEER Program annually. Iowa data are also submitted to the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) for Cancer in North America (CINA). Iowa data are also submitted internationally for Cancer Incidence in 5 Continents, published by the International Association of Cancer Registries(IARC).

Data collected include patient information, demographics, a description of the cancer, extent of disease, information on first course of therapy, follow-up data and other data items that provide assistance in managing and maintaining cancer registry operations. The ICR follows patients from diagnosis to produce survival figures and to aid in research studies.