Cancer incidence estimation by hospital discharge flow as compared with cancer registries data

the study evaluates the accuracy of an algorithm based on hospital discharge data (HDD) in order to estimate breast cancer incidence in three italian regions (Emilia-Romagna, Toscana and Veneto) covered by cancer registries (CR). The evolution of computer-based information systems in health organization suggests automatic processing of HDD as a possible alternative to the time-consuming methods of CR. The study intends to verify whether HDD quickly provides reliable cancer incidence estimates for diagnosis and therapy evaluations