A cancer registry is a system for the collection, management, and analysis of data about cancer patients. This vital part of St. Mary's cancer care program provides invaluable statistical data to physicians so they can provide their patients with the most up-to-date cancer treatments available.
St. Mary's Hospital began its computerized cancer registry in 1980 and currently holds information on more than 14,000 patients. Updated constantly, the information is available for special studies, research, and to plan for future cancer services.
St. Mary's data is regularly transmitted to the Colorado Central Cancer Registry and to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Data System. Registry data are used in the evaluation and improvement of our patient care, required by the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, which accredits St. Mary's Hospital. The registry contributes to the National Cancer Database, sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Surgeons. Accumulated data is used for research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.