Cancer registries collect population-based data on cancer incidence, mortality and survival, diagnosis and treatment in order to monitor changes over time. The SWPHO collects data on cancer patients living in and/or diagnosed or treated in the South West Region and Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

These data are drawn from a range of different sources. To ensure that the correct information is recorded for each patient, we collect patient identifiable details to enable us to cross-check records. We take very seriously the responsibility of holding identifiable patient data and have strict policies in place governing the handling, processing and transfer of patient data.

Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001 enables patient identifiable information needed to support essential NHS activity to be used without the explicit consent of patients. These data can only be used for medical purposes that are in the interests of patients or the wider public, where consent is not a practicable alternative and where anonymised information will not suffice

Further legislation, the Statutory Instrument 2002 No. 1438, allows cancer registries to collect patient data without individual patient consent, subject to annual review by the Patient Information Advisory Group (PIAG). PIAG was set up to advise the Secretary of State on key issues, particularly those of national significance, relating to the processing of patient information.

Patients have the right to withdraw their consent to data being processed by cancer registries. The following documents are available for patients to download. They provide further information on the role of cancer registries and how to make a request to be removed from the cancer register.

About Cancer Registration Patient Information Leaflet

Patient Information Leaflet FAQs

UKACR policy for deletion of a patient record

Patient request for deletion of records form

You may also find it helpful to visit the UK Association of Cancer Registries (UKACR) website.

For more information about the SWPHO's Cancer Registration team and Cancer Intelligence Service see our Cancer Registration and Cancer Analysis pages respectively.