Why is National Cancer Registry data a few years behind?

There are a number of reasons for this. Most newly diagnosed cancer cases are identified by us within 12 months of the diagnosis date. However, as cancer cases are identified through a number of sources such as pathology reports, scans and x-rays, and from a number of health care providers, it is essential that all the reports be put into a single record containing the best and most accurate information available. This is a very time consuming exercise and we have limited resources. Strict quality control is carried out in line with best international practice before completing the final report. The data cannot be published until case reporting is estimated to be at least 95% complete - and the last 10% is the most difficult to complete.