FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 21, 2007

CONTACTS
Kurt Weiss, Data Management Administrator, 402-471-0147,
kurt.weiss@dhhs.ne.gov
Bill Wiley, Communications and Legislative Services Division, 402-471-6585,
bill.wiley@dhhs.ne.gov

 

Cancer Registry Receives Gold Standard Award for Ninth Year in a Row
Nebraska Cancer Incidences Decline Slightly

Lincoln – For nine consecutive years (1995-2003) the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries has awarded the Nebraska Cancer Registry the Gold Standard for the quality of its data. Nebraska is one of just seven states and Canadian provinces to have this distinction.

Bob Leopold, administrator of the Health and Human Services System’s Public Health Assurance Division said, "Because of these high standards, the data are now used in several national cancer studies. The registry staff work with Nebraska health providers to make sure the information is accurate, complete and timely."

The information is used to develop a thorough picture of how cancer affects Nebraskans, as well as to plan and evaluate efforts to reduce the burden of cancer.

Nationally, cancer cases have decreased for several years. The Nebraska registry showed a decrease of 338 diagnoses of cancer among Nebraskans from 2002 to 2003.

Comparing state and national rates shows that cancer rates in Nebraska are the same or lower than those in Americans as a whole.

Many cancers can be found at an early stage by screening, and early detection makes the cancer more treatable. In addition, the risk of cancer can be decreased by changing personal activities to include regular exercise, proper diet and stopping tobacco use. Today, early screening and advances in the treatment of cancer have increased the number of cancer survivors to about 60,000 Nebraskans.

The Nebraska Cancer Registry is a successful partnership between HHSS and the Nebraska Medical Foundation.

For more information, go to the Nebraska Cancer Registry at www.hhss.ne.gov/ced/cancer

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