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:
Complicated approval processes
Geographic & temporal restrictions
Registry starts from 1935 to 2005
Case matching
Registry programming & systems limitations
Expense
As much as $8500 for cohort match
Purpose:
To highlight the obstacles encountered while conducting cancer incidence tracing using multiple state cancer registries to identify central nervous system (CNS) tumors in a retrospective occupational cohort.
Results:
70% of the cases were identified in the facility state
700 hours spent completing applications and obtaining cohort matches
State which will not release individual-level data:
Alaska Delaware
Louisiana Nebraska
New Mexico South Carolina
West Virginia Wisconsin
States which will not release data if patients will be contacted:
North Carolina Washington
Methods:
Conducted tracing in 24 states
223,894 jet engine manufacturing workers
Traced from 1976 to 2004
Requested all CNS cancer matches
Identified issues and obstacles
Conclusions:
Researchers can gain important information by matching to multiple state cancer registries
Carefully weigh the time and costs required
Despite some serious obstacles, studies using multiple cancer registries are feasible
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. We thank the employees, management, and union members for their continued support. Our progress would not be possible without their efforts.