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Pennsylvania Cancer Registry |
The Pennsylvania Cancer Registry (PCR) was implemented in stages beginning with the south central area in July 1982; the southeastern area in March 1983; the western area in January 1984; and the northwestern in September in 1984. Data for these regions are available since implementation, but 1985 is the first full year data are available for the entire state.
Skin cancer cases are included in the registry. However, the following site/histology combinations for skin cancers are not reportable: neoplasms malignant, NOS of the skin, epithelial carcinomas of the skin, papillary and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, and basal cell carcinomas of the skin. The data variables currently recorded in the case reports include personal identifiers, residence (street, city, county, state, and zip code), date of birth, place of birth, race, gender, marital status, diagnosis, therapy, tobacco history, occupation, industry, and underlying cause of death when applicable. There is also information on the reporting hospital and the attending physician.
The PCR essentially has two data files- the abstract file and the database file. The abstract file consists of each individual abstract reported to the Registry. Abstracts are added to this file each month. Paper abstracts are added to the abstract file within 2-4 months of receipt after logging, numbering, coding, verification and editing procedures have been performed. Reports received electronically are added to the file within one month of receipt.
The database file is the "cleaned up" file and is created after record linkage and multiple primary determination procedures have been performed. If there is more than one abstract for a person on the abstract file, these abstracts are merged to form one master record for that patient with appropriate sections for various primaries and/or hospitals reporting the primary. This file is used in the production of cancer incidence reports.
The publication Pennsylvania Cancer Incidence and Mortality is available for cancer diagnosed in 1983 and 1984 for various regions of the state based on registry implementation and for the entire state beginning in 1985. This publication includes morbidity and mortality data for five year periods. Copies of the most recent report may be requested by calling the Division of Health Statistics and Research in the Department of Health.
Another report available to hospitals is the yearly report of deaths. Each year PCR abstracts are matched against death certificates received for specified years. When records are matched, the date, county and cause of death are added to the PCR abstract. In addition, a report listing this information is sent to each hospital for patients reported to the PCR by that hospital.
The manner in which data are released by the PCR depends upon the type of data. Aggregate or collective data are more readily accessible than confidential data. The former contain no patient identifiable information and are not individual case level data where other items could be used to identify individuals. Examples of such data include the number of patients with malignant melanomas by county or the number of cases reported by zip code. Some aggregate data are already available in the incidence report. If not, then users should contact the PCR by phone to be sure that the data desired are available. It is then necessary to send a written request to the address below.
Confidential data refer to information which could permit the identification of any individual. These data include personal identifiers such as name, address, and social security number. Confidential data also include individual case level data where other demographic characteristics such as age, race, sex, and place of residence could be used to identify individuals. Confidential data are protected and carefully controlled. The Pennsylvania Department of Health may release confidential data to organizations or individuals only for specific medical research purposes. The process of obtaining confidential data begins with the submission of a completed Application for Access to Protected Data. The application must be reviewed and approved by the Department prior to release of the information. Applications can be obtained by writing to the Director, Division of Health Statistics and Research at the address below.
Available Reports:
Contact Information:
Raymond K. Power, Director
Robin E. Otto, Manager
Pennsylvania Cancer Registry
Division of Health Statistics and Research
Pennsylvania Department of Health
State Center for Health Statistics Research
P.O. Box 90
Harrisburg PA 17108-0090Phone: (717) 783-2548
Fax: (717) 772-3258
E-mail: powe108W@wonder.em.cdc.gov
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