Cancer Notification Instructions

The NSW Central Cancer Registry is a central repository of data relating to cases of cancer diagnosed and treated in residents of the State of New South Wales.

The Registry contributes to the prevention, control and treatment of cancer in the population of NSW in particular, by supplying timely and accurate data based on a total record of all cases of cancer diagnosed in NSW residents.

The aims of the NSW Central Cancer Registry are to:

• Monitor and record the number of new cases of cancer and deaths from cancer in NSW
• Produce regular and ad hoc reports on cancer incidence and mortality patterns
• Utilise the data to support epidemiological and clinical research
• Evaluate the benefits of cancer screening programs to determine their effectiveness
• Assist in planning and monitoring services for the control of cancer and the care of cancer patients in NSW
• Make the data available for use by health providers, planners, educators and research scientists
• Contribute cancer data to national and international agencies to assist in cancer control.

The Public Health Act 1991 identifies cancer as a scheduled medical condition (category 3) and as a notifiable disease. The Act requires notification of cancer to the Director-General of the NSW Department of Health. The Cancer Institute NSW, established under the Cancer Institute (NSW) Act, 2003, acts as the manager of the NSW Central Cancer Registry and custodian of cancer data on behalf of the Director-General.

Please click here to view the NSW Health Policy Directive. | 184 KB