Pennsylvania Cancer Registry
The
Pennsylvania Cancer Registry (PCR) is a statewide data system
responsible for collecting information on all new cases of cancer
diagnosed or treated in Pennsylvania. The PCR has had statewide data
collection since 1985. The PCR is part of the National Program of Cancer
Registries (NPCR) administered by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Through this program, the CDC provides funding for
states, such as Pennsylvania, to enhance their existing registry to meet
national standards for completeness, timeliness and data quality.
Registry Certifications
The PCR receives annual Certification from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) and the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR). Achieving these certifications designates the PCR as a population-based cancer registry that demonstrates excellence in the areas of completeness, quality, and timeliness of cancer incidence data.
Why a State-Wide Cancer Registry?
The
basis for any successful cancer control program is a comprehensive
registry system. Ongoing cancer data collection by the PCR ensures that
reliable data are available to provide answers to questions, reduce the
burden of cancer in Pennsylvania, and improve the lives of cancer
survivors and their families.
" People do not naturally
rally round a cause like cancer record-keeping because no one can point
to victims who suffer without it. Rather, it is our larger understanding
of cancer that suffers, And thus, we are all victims." -John H. Healey, M.D. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
" The unique role of the central cancer registry is to be the eyes through which cancer control problems can be seen." -Thomas C. Tucker, PhD, MPH Director, Kentucky Cancer Registry
Data Collection
Reporting to the PCR is mandated by the Pennsylvania Cancer Control,
Prevention, and Research Act of 1980 and the Pennsylvania Department of
Health's regulations concerning Reporting of Communicable and
Noncommunicable Diseases. Cancer data are reported by hospitals,
clinics, laboratories, radiation facilities, cancer centers, surgical
centers, doctor's offices, death certificates and through data exchange
when Pennsylvania residents are diagnosed or treated in other states.
The PCR receives over 100,000 reports of cancer cases annually. After
accounting for duplicates, this translates into nearly 76,000 newly
diagnosed cases every year. Information collected on each case includes
patient demographics and medical information about the type of cancer,
how far the cancer spread at the time of diagnosis, and the first course
of treatment provided.
Contact Us
For questions regarding the PCR, contact us at: 1-800-272-1850 or 717-783-2548.
All faxes for PCR staff should be sent to 1-866-531-8238.
All mail for the PCR should be sent to:
Pennsylvania Cancer Registry
Bureau of Health Statistics and Registries
555 Walnut St., 6th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
PCR Management
Wendy Aldinger, RHIA, CTR -- Registry Manager
1-800-272-1850, ext. 1
wealdinger@pa.gov