Introduction

Data

Requests for Information

Research

Confidentiality

Patient Choice

Peer Review

Requests for Information

The two registries combined responded to approximately 1,000 requests for information in 2005.  These vary from the simple e.g. how many new cases of breast cancer in women in a given population to the complicated e.g. estimating the number of new cases of cancer that will occur in fifteen years time.  The most common type of request is to confirm cancer details of relatives of patients attending genetics clinics (only with the written approval of the patient and the relative) which allows accurate advice on cancer risk to be provided to the individual and possibly other family members.  The source of requests is shown in the pie chart below.

The average time to respond to requests for information has improved considerably over the past few years, and is now shorter than 20 working days for most requests.  Where required, NWCIS staff interpret the information provided.

Data are analysed to provide information on

      (i)        Incidence (number of new cases of cancer)

      (ii)       Mortality (number of deaths from cancer)*

(iii)             Survival (how long patients live after diagnosis)

(iv)             Hospitals attended

(v)               Treatments received

* Mortality data are collected nationally by ONS but NWCIS interprets this information for the North West.

A report summarising the progress that has been made in controlling cancer in the North West has now been published and is available via this website.  The report “Progress in Cancer Control in the North West looks at trends over time and differences within the North West in mortality, incidence and survival rates, and compare progress in the North West with that achieved nationally.   We will also provide annual reports starting early next year outlining our activities and achievements over the previous year.

NWCIS staff work with other relevant organisations to ensure that population-based information on cancer is used to full advantage.  Such organisations include the North West Public Health Observatory (NWPHO), the three cancer networks and the NWSHA.