Cancer registration information is used to:
Monitor trends in cancer incidence, prevalence, survival and mortality over time and between different geographical areas and social and ethnic groups.
Support the planning and commissioning of cancer services for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
Quality assure the national cancer screening programmes for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer, and inform the planning and design of new screening programmes.
Audit and evaluate cancer care by providing comparative data about treatment patterns and outcomes.
Facilitate research into the causes of cancer, and its prevention and treatment.
Evaluate the impact of environmental and social factors on cancer risk.
Investigate differences in cancer incidence, survival and access to treatment between social groups and thus contribute to programmes aimed at reducing inequalities in health outcomes.
Support the work of cancer genetic counselling services by providing confirmation of past cancer diagnoses in relatives of individuals and families who may be at higher risk of developing cancer.
Promote professional and public awareness about cancer.
Support the information and audit needs of local cancer networks.
Carry out national and international comparisons on cancer incidence and outcomes.