Cancer Institute Registry

2007 Statistics

The Oncology Registry at St. Joseph Medical Center contributes to a better understanding of cancer prevention trends, diagnoses and treatments and to the improvement of cancer patient management through the collection of complete and accurate cancer data.

The registry provides cancer incidence and treatment information for quality improvement and research activities. Outcome information is enhanced through ongoing follow-up of patients. The Oncology Registry at St. Joseph Medical Center exceeds the 80 percent follow-up rate set forth by the American College of Surgeons with a 90.35 percent follow-up rate. As mandated by the state of Maryland, registry data is sent to the Maryland Central Cancer Registry where it is used to support statewide improvements in cancer detection and treatment.

Recognizing the importance to move towards concurrent data collection, Mark J. Krasna, M.D., medical director of The Cancer Institute at St. Joseph Medical Center, facilitated a work group that included input from various areas of expertise, including information technology professionals, cancer registry staff members, and various physician specialties to implement an online staging form. Distribution of online staging forms was initiated in October 2008.

Historically, cancer registry data have been collected in a retrospective manner. Dr. Krasna has been an influential voice to registry personnel to migrate from retrospective data collection to concurrent data collection. Dr. Krasna has facilitated a comprehensive cancer registry data flow process and procedure analysis to promote a systemized process for data collection that will foster the movement towards concurrent collection and reporting. The St. Joseph Medical
Center registry is committed to moving in this direction with the knowledge that concurrent data collection provides a more proactive approach to rendering oncology care.