Reporting
The NHSCR collects incidence data on all cancer cases diagnosed or treated in New Hampshire. As required by the NH Administrative Rules, the NHSCR currently collects data from hospital registrars in the larger hospitals in NH. Hospitals with fewer than 105 cases per year who generally do not have their own cancer registry are assisted by the NHSCR staff, helping these hospitals with some of their reporting duties. The NHSCR also receives case report from physician practices, free standing radiation oncology centers, pathology laboratories and other sources. In addition, the NHSCR receives case reports for NH residents who are diagnosed outside the state, based on interstate data exchange agreements.
The NHSCR has an innovative, two-phase reporting system. The initial rapid report provides basic aspects of case identification and is submitted within 45 days of diagnosis. A definitive case report is transmitted within 180 days from the date of diagnosis, and includes more detailed information, such as treatment and staging information. Timely reporting is essential for registry activities.