This type of research compares cancer rates in different parts of the state and requires accurate, complete data. Be a service to local areas for planning of health care services and investigation of cancer clusters. Operation of the Registry Data are collected by field representatives who regularly visit hospitals and clinics throughout Iowa and adjacent states where Iowan's receive health care. Several hospitals, using their own personnel, contrib- ute data to the Registry, and cancer data are also exchanged with our neighboring states. Pertinent information is abstracted from hospital medical records, pathology and hematology laboratories, and radiation and medical oncology centers.
Additional information is abstracted from death certificates.
The information collected includes personal identifiers and residence, primary sites and histology of tumors, techniques used in confirming the diagnosis of treatment, and very detailed information on extent of the disease. At the State Health Registry of Iowa's Main office in Iowa City, the data are entered into a computer for analysis and research use. When data are collected, specific information identifying the individual patient is needed because one-third of the cases receive care in more than one hospital. Without individual identifiers to check for duplicate registrations, the data would be inaccurate and unsuitable for analysis. The State Health Registry's confidentiality policy is designed to protect the privacy of the cancer patient, the physician, and, the hospital providing patient care.