Validation of a clinical cancer register at the Head and Neck Oncology Center in Örebro

Abstract

Background: This was a validation study of a regional register of oral cancer in Örebro, Sweden. The purpose was to assess the rate of errors in baseline, and treatment, and the completeness and accuracy of data on recurrences. Materials and Methods: A total of 653 cases with squamous cell cancer in the oral cavity were identified from the register. A randomized sample of 73 (11%) was selected, and a set of relevant data was compared to medical records. Results: Data on patient and tumour characteristics showed high accuracy, with 98% correct data and more than 99% of treatment data were correct. Follow-up data had a higher rate of errors, with 23% of recurrences not recorded, 13.6% misclassified, and 9.1% of cases showing errors in timing of the recurrence. Conclusion: Data concerning patients, tumour status, and treatment in the Regional Head and Neck Register in Örebro are highly accurate. However, the follow-up data contain a higher rate of errors, that must be taken into consideration when evaluating outcome after treatment.