1. Methodological Issues in CNS Neoplasm Incidence Tracing
J. Buchanich, A. Youk, G. Marsh,
Z. Bornemann, F. Lieberman
Center for Occupational Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
S. Lacey, K. Kennedy,
R. Hancock, N. Esmen
Division of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Issues:
Geographic & temporal restrictions
Registry starts from 1935 to 2005
Data confidentiality
Release of data for living & deceased cases
Case matching
Registry programming & systems limitations
Expense
Up to $8500 for cohort match
Registry application processes
Purpose:
To highlight methodological issues and obstacles encountered conducting cancer incidence tracing in the United States. These issues were encountered during a study which involved determining incident cases from multiple state cancer registries.
Methods:
Conducted CNS cancer incidence tracing
223,894 jet engine manufacturing workers
Traced from 1976 to 2004 in 24 states
Requested all CNS cancer matches
Date of diagnosis, histology, behavior, topography, residence at diagnosis and last known vital status
Identified issues and obstacles
Registry Approval Process
Conclusions:
Despite some important limitations, cancer incidence studies of retrospective cohorts are feasible
Incidence studies require careful planning, strict attention to detail and organization
We urge state and regional cancer surveillance systems to give careful consideration to the benefits of a national repository for cancer incidence data
Contact Information;
For more information about this study, please contact Dr. Jeanine Buchanich at the University of Pittsburgh
Acknowledgments
This study is being conducted in collaboration with the CT Department of Public Health and the University of Illinois at Chicago. We thank the employees, management, and union members as well as the Communications Facilitation Workgroup (CFW) for their continued support and contributions. Our progress would not be possible without their efforts.