The consultation to develop a national strategy for cancer staging in Canada

The lack of uniform recording of stage is a continued barrier to the success of cancer control activities. To review the role of staging, in 1997 the Canadian Committee on Cancer Staging (CCCS) of the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) formalised a national Consultation initiative with the input of Canadian oncology leaders and international experts on staging. A document was created from prior background work by the Committee and pre-circulated for comment. The document described the importance of cancer staging to patient care, epidemiological and clinical research, and cancer control programs. The document was refined through an iterative process over much of a year which included a formal workshop of the participants and other meetings. The Consultation reaffirmed, with evidence, the central role of staging in all aspects of cancer management. The report of the Consultation, endorsed by the Board of Directors of NCIC, included the following recommendations: 1) the recording of TNM stage by the treating physician should be a standard of care for every cancer patient in Canada where TNM applies, 2) the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation should include the TNM stage for every cancer patient as a requirement for hospital accreditation. In conclusion, this process represents an effective method for raising awareness about important medical issues such as staging which are fundamental to the management and control of cancer.