A cancer registry collects information about the incidence of cancer. The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR), is based at Queens University Belfast. The NICR’s aim is to provide accurate information on the occurrence of cancer in people in Northern Ireland. This information can then be used to aid research and education and to plan services.

The NICR collects data on all malignant and some non-malignant tumours diagnosed in Northern Ireland.

By collecting this data the NICR can monitor trends over time. This allows them to identify variations in cancer incidence across the region.  They can then produce reports to help inform how we plan cancer services.

Cancer registry data is useful for the following purposes:  :

• Managing resources for prevention, treatment and laboratory services for cancer.
• Planning and evaluating services especially the breast and cervical screening programmes.
• Planning and evaluating clinical management and treatment of cancer based on accurate and unbiased information.
• Aiding research into cases of cancer, using case control studies and identification of cohorts and information for health education and health promotion.

Confidentiality

The NICR follows a very strict confidentiality code. It is independent of all other organisations. NICR do not share confidential information with others except with the permission of the patient’s doctor. This is only for ethically approved research or to help doctors who are reviewing their own work load.

To find out more and to view their latest reports, visit the website of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry at www.qub.ac.uk/nicr.