DHSS Press Release

DELAWARE'S CANCER REGISTRY EARNS A "B" GRADE

Delaware's cancer registry received a "B" grade for data collection in a report released today from Trust for America's Health (TFAH), a non-profit health advocacy group. This first-time analysis by TFAH examined the registries of 35 states. Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) maintains Delaware's cancer registry, which contains 116,916 records starting in 1980.

Cancer registries collect information on the number and types of cancer occurring in states. Patient names are kept confidential while data on where patients live, their symptoms, treatment and outcome are used to understand cancer in Delaware.

The cancer registry report follows Governor Ruth Ann Minner's signing of Senate Bill 102 yesterday, which established the Delaware Cancer Consortium. "I have made the fight against cancer one of the priorities of my administration and the cancer registry is one of the most important tools in that fight," Gov. Minner said. "We have worked to improve the registry in order to make it even more useful in reducing cancer rates and I am pleased to see our registry recognized in this way."

Enhancements to the cancer registry began in summer 2002 with the passage of Senate Bill 372, which requires doctors to report new information on cancer patients, such as their length of residency in Delaware, where they live and what type of work they have done. The bill also extends the reporting deadline to 180 days for caregivers who must report to the cancer registry.

Delaware's cancer registry has also received gold awards for quality data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries in 2003, 2002 and 1997. Gold awards recognize registries for their ability to produce complete, accurate and timely data. This fall the state will develop a strategic plan for the registry that identifies additional uses for the high-quality data.

"We will continue to build upon the strengths already established with the cancer registry," said Dr. Maureen E. Dempsey, DPH director. "The registry is a tool that will allow us to change data into information that can be used by the division, consortium and communities to develop solutions that have real meaning for Delaware."

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.