Data Set Specifications (DSS) are collections of data items (metadata) that are not mandated for collection but are recommended as best practice.
Cancer Australia has worked with stakeholders to develop a number of cancer-related DSS as follows:
- Cancer (clinical) Data Set Specification.
- Breast cancer (cancer registries) Data Set Specification.
- Lung cancer (clinical) Data Set Specification.
- Prostate cancer (clinical) Data Set Specification.
- Gynaecological cancer (clinical) Data Set Specification.
- A Data Set Specification for adolescents and young adults with cancer.
Cancer Australia is also working with Andrology Australia to develop a clinical Data Set Specification for testicular cancer.
The development of these DSS will support a more coordinated and consistent approach to the collection of cancer data. Over time, the availability of these data will provide more accurate information on national trends, diagnoses, health service utilisation and, ultimately, improved health outcomes.
Cancer Australia is working closely with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and the Cancer Institute NSW to ensure that its data development work complements the structured pathology reporting protocols currently being developed.