Cancer registration is the process of recording all relevant details concerning cancer, including diagnosis, treatment and death. It is achieved with a systematic collection of data on the occurrence and characteristics of malignant and certain non-malignant neoplasms. The procedure is widely established throughout the world and within England and Wales there are 9 registries collating and forwarding data to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). To view a map showing the boundaries of these Cancer Registries, click on the link below:

Cancer Registry Boundaries in England and Wales 2009

The collection of data by registries, and its transmission to ONS, was voluntary prior to 1993, but in 1990 the working party on the National Cancer Registration System (based at ONS), recommended that registries collect a standard Core Minimum Data Set (CMDS).

Some registries were also encouraged to collect data in addition to the minimum requirements with the objective being to promote comparability and standardisation of information collected.

The collection of data by SWCIS is heavily automated. If you wish to learn more about the role of Information Technology in Cancer Registration within SWCIS please >> click here <<

• Population within the SWCIS region - 6.6 million
• Tumours registered per year - 52,000 approx
• Deaths from Cancer registered per year - 22,000 approx
• Wessex and Western Registries merged to become SWCIS - 1995
• Registrations began in Wessex - 1975
• Registrations began in Western - 1980

The following bodies established guidelines for Cancer Registration:

UICC - International Union Against Cancer (Union Internationale Contre le Cancer)
IARC - International Agency for Research on Cancer
IACR - International Association of Cancer Registration
WHO - World Health Organisation

For information on confidentiality of patient data and relevant legislation, please see our patient information page.