South Dakota Cancer Registry

A Statewide Population-Based Cancer Registry

The South Dakota Cancer Registry (SDCR) collects data on cancer incidence and reports on cancer incidence and mortality.  It began in 1992 as a limited cancer data collection system that monitored cancer incidence through pathology reports and reports from hospital tumor registries approved by the American College of Surgeons. In 2001, the South Dakota Cancer Registry was developed and implemented, building upon the previous cancer data collection system. In 2005, a law was passed requiring reporting by all entities detecting, diagnosing, and treating cancer cases in South Dakota. 

FAQ

What is the SDCR?

The South Dakota Cancer Registry (SDCR) is South Dakota's statewide cancer surveillance system. The data are used to monitor cancer trends, target cancer control and prevention programs, provide a research base for studies into cancer causes, and ultimately to reduce death and illness due to cancer.

What kind of cancer cases are reported?

All malignant cancers must be reported to SDCR. All cancer cases diagnosed and/or treated in South Dakota since January 1, 2001, must be reported to the registry. Benign brain and central nervous system tumors diagnosed and/or treated since January 1, 2004, must be reported. For specific details about reporting requirements, see SDCL 1-43-11 through 1-43-18 and ARSD 44:22.

What kind of data is collected?

The registry collects data on each cancer case diagnosed or treated in South Dakota, including diagnosis, stage of disease, medical history, patient demographics, laboratory data, tissue diagnosis and radiation, and surgical or other methods of diagnosis or treatment.

Cases are reported electronically. The SDCR provides free internet abstracting software that meets the requirements for reporting of cancer cases. SDCR follows national standards to assure consistency in case reporting from facility to facility.

Who is required to report cancer cases?

State law, SDCL 1-43-14, requires licensed hospitals, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, pathology laboratories, and free-standing radiology centers that detect, diagnose, or treat cancer in South Dakota to report to the SDCR.

Who does the actual data collection?

Data collection, or abstracting, is performed by specially trained personnel. Currently, Certified Tumor Registrars (CTRs) abstract most of the state's cancer cases. SDCR or other recognized training programs train other data collection personnel. SDCR offers training for incidence abstracting as needed.

What about patient confidentiality?

SDCR adheres to strict security measures to assure the confidentiality of patient and institutional records. Under state law, SDCL 34-14-3, disclosing such records is a Class I misdemeanor.

Who uses SDCR data? What is it used for?

SDCR data are used by researchers, health planners, epidemiologists, physicians, legislators, medical students, and others to:

• Monitor the incidence and mortality of cancer to detect potential public health problems;
• Inform and educate by providing descriptive data on cancer incidence and mortality to health professionals and the general public about risks, prevention, and early detection of cancers known to be elevated in their communities;
• Guide decisions about how to use public-funded cancer control resources by more accurately targeting intervention resources for communities, patients, and their families, and respond to public concerns.

Where can I find more information about specific cancers?

Contact the American Cancer Society or call 800-4CANCER (800-422-6237).