The completeness of brain tumour registration in Devon and Cornwall.
OBJECTIVE
To determine ascertainment rates for primary brain tumours and examine factors influencing those rates.


METHODS
Comparison of a clinical database with official figures from the Regional Cancer Intelligence Unit.


RESULTS
Of 1480 potential cases 52% appeared in the registry. Only two-thirds of patients operated upon were registered and less than one-third of those who were not operated appeared in the registry. Independent predictors of registration were having had an operation, 5.47 (4.19-7.17) (odds ratio (95% CI)), being over 60 years of age, 1.62 (1.26-2.07), and having a tumour requiring radiotherapy, 2.52 (1.74-3.66).


CONCLUSIONS
There is asymmetric registration of primary brain tumours in Devon and Cornwall with under registration of more benign tumours in younger patients. If similar problems exist across the United Kingdom, this could have a negative influence on survival rates, and international comparisons of such rates should be performed with caution.
Pobereskin
L H
LH
Department of Neurosurgery, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK. louis.pobereskin@phnt.swest.nhs.uk
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D012042:Registries / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data