Data collection

NCRI collects information from all hospitals in Ireland on the number of people diagnosed with cancer and the types of cancer they have. The information is maintained in a central register to provide a national cancer dataset on the incidence of cancer in Ireland. NCRI began national collation of cancer registration in 1994 and it currently holds three decades of incidence and follow-up information on cancer cases.

Data collected

For every new cancer, we register the name, address, sex and date of birth of the patient, personal public service number, the type and location of the cancer, how advanced the cancer is and the treatment received by the patient.

The data journey

Cancer registration is necessary to assess patterns and trends, plan and support evaluation of cancer services, and for research on the causes and prevention of cancer. Learn more about the data journey.