Data we collect

The Registry collects a wide range of information from many different sources.

Data Dictionary

The data dictionary provides the definitions and codes for the data collected by the NCRI. By providing a standard definition for the variables collected, it helps to ensure that the data collected is of high quality. It will also ensure that the users of our data have a clear understanding of the meaning of each of the variables collected before undertaking analysis of the data. All variables are listed alphabetically in the data dictionary; this alphabetic index is included in the table of contents.

Further information on how to use the data dictionary can be found within the document and frequently asked questions relating to the data dictionary can be found in the FAQ section if our site.

     Download NCRI Data Dictionary 
     Uploaded September 2023

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The National Cancer Registry requests that any person or organization reporting statistics provided or published by NCRI, or based on analyses of unpublished data provided by NCRI, include an appropriate acknowledgement – for example:

Statistics [quoted here] [have been] provided by the National Cancer Registry, www.ncri.ie 
Findings reported here are based on data provided by the National Cancer Registry www.ncri.ie but the authors take responsibility for analysis and interpretation
Published NCRI statistics, source: NCRI (2021) ‘Cancer in Ireland 1994-2019: Annual Report of the National Cancer Registry [for published reports or scientific papers, quoting an online URL]
Published NCRI statistics, source: https://www.ncri.ie/data/incidence-statistics (accessed 17/02/2022) [or other relevant URL, with date accessed]

How is the Data Collected

Most of this information is extracted from hospital medical records by our Electronic Cancer Data Registrars who are based in hospitals throughout Ireland. In cases where death occurs, we obtain the date and cause of death from the death certificate.

A brief description of how cancer information is registered can be viewed here. A list of the principal data items available can be seen on this page.

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