Completeness of Cancer Registration in England
Author Information
Author(s): L. Villard-Mackintosh, M.P. Coleman, M.P. Vessey
Primary Institution: University of Oxford
Hypothesis
How complete is cancer registration in England for women aged 25-39?
Conclusion
The study found that 86.5% of reported cancers were registered, indicating significant under-registration, especially for certain cancer types.
Supporting Evidence
- Of 325 cancers reported, 281 (86.5%) had been registered by mid-1987.
- Under-registration varied considerably between regional cancer registries.
- 40% of melanomas and 50% of lung cancers were not registered.
Takeaway
The study looked at how well cancer cases are recorded in England, finding that many cases, especially certain types, are missed.
Methodology
The study assessed cancer registration completeness by comparing self-reported malignancies from women with notifications from the NHS Central Register.
Potential Biases
The sample may not accurately reflect the general population due to geographic and demographic limitations.
Limitations
The study population was not representative of all women in England, being limited to married women of childbearing age.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 25-39, primarily married, recruited from family planning clinics.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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