Authority of the Iowa Cancer Registry
Since 1982, cancer has been a reportable disease in Iowa as codified in the Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) [Public Health 641, Chapter 1, Section 139A]. As designated in the IAC, the Iowa Cancer Registry is a Public Health Authority for purposes of collecting cancer data in Iowa [IAC 641 – 1.2 (139A)]. HIPAA allows you to report data to the Iowa Cancer Registry in compliance with state law for the purpose of public health surveillance.
What facilities/health care providers are subject to cancer reporting requirements?
Health care providers, hospitals, clinical laboratories, and health care facilities involved in the diagnosis, care, or treatment of cancer patients are required to report individuals with a reportable cancer to the ICR. [IAC 641 – 1.4(1b) (135,139A)] Examples of reporting facilities include, but are not limited to:
- Hospitals
- Radiation treatment centers
- Outpatient surgical facilities
- Oncology clinics
- Clinical laboratories
- Physician offices
Which of your cancer patients are you required to report to the Iowa Cancer Registry?
Pursuant to Public Law 92-218 and Public Law 102-515, each occurrence of a reportable cancer that is diagnosed or treated in an Iowa resident or occurs in a nonresident who is diagnosed or treated in an Iowa facility shall be reported to the Iowa Cancer Registry. [IAC 641 – 1.3(1) (139A, 141A)]
What is a reportable cancer?
In Iowa, a reportable cancer is one that is included in the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (NCI/SEER). Essentially, this means that all malignant and in situ cancers which can be described as invasive and non-invasive tumors/carcinomas are reportable (excluding squamous and basal cell carcinomas of the skin). [IAC 641 – 1.1(139A)] NCI/SEER provides cancer casefinding and reportability guidelines.
What do I have to report about my cancer patients to meet the requirement?
Information collected includes, but is not limited to, demographic, diagnostic, prognostic, treatment, follow-up, and other medical information about your cancer patients, in accordance with what we are required to provide to NCI/SEER. [IAC 641 – 1.4(2) (135,139A)]
What happens to the cancer information reported to the Iowa Cancer Registry?
The Iowa Cancer Registry is required to report cancer data bi-annually to the NCI SEER program and annually to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Data submitted includes incidence, mortality and survival data. Iowa data are also submitted to the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) for Cancer in North America (CINA) and to the Cancer Incidence in 5 Continents, published by the International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC).The information you provide helps us report the highest quality cancer data to the NCI and supports the continued monitoring of the burden of cancer among Iowans. Importantly, this information allows the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and other partners to develop and implement targeted public health responses addressing prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care of Iowa cancer patients.