Operations of the Registry

Central Office and Regional Registries

The Louisiana Tumor Registry is composed of a central office and regional registries that collect and process cancer incidence data from the state’s eight established geographic regions. These eight geographic areas are based on Louisiana’s historic health districts.

Collection of Cancer Incidence Data

Each regional registry is responsible for the complete ascertainment of data on cancer diagnoses and treatment in its region(s) within six months of diagnosis. Every healthcare provider is required by law to report this information to the regional registries, which work with them to ensure complete state coverage. About one fourth of all hospitals in Louisiana maintain their own cancer registries and report about 60% of the state’s total number of incident cases. The LTR’s regional registries are responsible for abstracting the remaining cases from hospitals and other facilities.

In addition, any previously unrecognized cancer diagnoses identified among residents of Louisiana through death certificates are traced back to patient records in hospitals or other facilities in order to be abstracted. Otherwise, the case is considered a “death-certificate-only (DCO)” case and the date of death is recorded as the date of diagnosis.

Interstate exchange of data began in 1997. This permits the LTR to obtain cancer data from participating states on residents of Louisiana who have traveled out-of-state for cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. This exchange of data ensures a higher level of case ascertainment and data completeness. Strict protocols on patient confidentiality are followed.