Cancer data
Cancer data is key to improving cancer outcomes.
Currently in Australia all new cancer diagnoses are required to be reported to state-based cancer registries. The state registries also collect information on cancer mortality. The Australasian Association of Cancer Registries (AACR) is a collaborative body representing the eight Australian state and territory cancer registries, the New Zealand Cancer Registry and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). It was formed in 1982 to provide a formal mechanism for promoting uniformity of collection, classification and collation of cancer data. The AACR collaborates with the AIHW through the National Cancer Statistics Clearing House to release regular reports on national cancer data.
Cancer Australia is working with stakeholders, including AIHW, to explore ways in which other existing cancer data could be more effectively used or linked, to provide information that will enhance service provision, treatments and outcomes for people affected by cancer.
Cancer Australia’s National Cancer Data Strategy document outlines potential opportunities for collaboration in cancer data development in Australia.
Cancer Australia is supporting projects:
- to develop agreed data items for collection, and
- to explore the systematic collection of cancer staging information
- to publish national cancer statistical reports in collaboration with the AIHW
