title: Completeness of cancer registry data in a small Iranian province: A capture-recapture approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The incidence of cancer is rising in Iran, and hence it is important to assess the accuracy of the Iranian cancer registry dataset. In this study, the completeness of the cancer registry in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad (K&B) province is evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data of registered cases of cancer of people who were living in the K&B province at the time of diagnosis were obtained from the provincial cancer registry offices in K&B, Fars and all other neighbouring provinces. A capture-recapture method along with log-linear statistical modelling were used for analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results indicated that of 2029 known cases of cancer, only 1400 (31%) were registered by the K&B cancer registry office. Age-adjusted incidence rates for all common types of cancer rose from 307.0 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval (CI); 293.8, 320.3, based on observed cases) to 376.4 per 100,000 (95% CI; 361.7, 391.1, based on expected number of cases estimated by capture-recapture analysis) ( p < 0.01). The completeness of cancer registry data varied significantly for different types of cancer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results suggest that the provincial cancer dataset, which is a part of the national cancer registry programme, is neither complete nor representative. A major improvement in case finding, registry procedures and effective data sharing by provincial cancer registry offices is needed in order to provide valid data for epidemiology of cancer in Iran.
authors.affiliation: 1 HIV/AIDS Research center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fararouei
authors.affiliation: 2 Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marzban
authors.affiliation: 3 Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
authors.forename: Gholamhossein
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shahraki
mesh_terms: D000068598:Data Accuracy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012042:Registries / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Iran; cancer; cancer registry; cancer statistics; capture recapture method; completeness of data; data accuracy; data collection; epidemiology; health information management; medical records; methodological; records management; registries; study