What is an Oncology Information Center?

Centra’s Oncology Information Center collects, manages and analyzes health information from patients who have been diagnosed and treated for malignant (cancerous) and selected non-malignant tumors.
The information, which is collected daily and updated annually, allows our medical staff to determine the most effective treatment for various types of cancer and improve the quality of treatment patients receive.

How is the Oncology Information used?

The registry collects demographic, cancer identification, treatment and follow-up on each eligible patient.
Collected data contributes to treatment planning, staging and continuity of care for patients. Accurate and complete registry data allows for optimal program and administrative planning for allocation of hospital resources. Data is also used for research investigations and studies.

Reporting Oncology Information

The Cancer Information Center must comply with Virginia State Law and report the incidence of cancer six months after diagnosis. Virginia incidence and mortality data are published annually in the national summary -
United States Cancer Statistics
(USCS, http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/uscs)

Virginia data are also published in the Cancer in North America (CINA), which is an annual report the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) publishes.
(CINA, http://www.naaccr.org/.)

Why is the Oncology Information Center Important?

Centra’s Oncology Information Center aids in determining the means of improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. It assists in determining the need for and means of providing better long-term, follow-up care for cancer patients.
Data collected is used to conduct  analyses of the incidence, prevalence, survival and risk factors associated with the occurrence of cancer.
The information Center is also important because it enables physicians to advance the treatment of cancer.
Through careful observation of former patients, determinations can be made regarding the most appropriate methods of treatment for various types of cancer.

Manager, Oncology Support
Services & Outreach
Carol Riggins RN, MSN, OCN

Oncology Data Center Staff
Joyce Martin CTR, Coordinator
Kim Humphreys TR