Evaluating quality of census tract data in the NPCR dataset
Simple Singh1, Umed A Ajani, Reda J Wilson
1Cancer Surveillance Branch, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Coordinating Center for Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mail Stop K-53 Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. sdsingh@cdc.gov
Journal of Registry Management
|August 28, 2010
Summary
Cancer registry data quality is crucial. Census tract information completeness in the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) dataset varied significantly, impacting its use for spatial analyses.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cancer Surveillance
- Data Quality Assessment
Background:
- Accurate interpretation of cancer data is vital for cancer control and prevention.
- High-quality data is essential for researchers and public health programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the quality of census tract information within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) dataset.
- To inform the appropriate use of NPCR census tract data in future analyses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 2001-2005 submitted to the 2008 NPCR Cancer Surveillance System (NPCR-CSS).
- Calculated the proportion of records with valid census tract 2000 information (NAACCR item #130) overall and per registry.
Main Results:
- Valid census tract data was available for 59% of NPCR records (2001-2005).
- Significant variation existed among registries: 54% met the >=90% completeness threshold, while 24% had <=5% completeness.
- Completeness showed slight increases from 2001 (53%) to 2005 (61%).
Conclusions:
- Census tract data completeness in the NPCR dataset is inconsistent across registries and years.
- Variability may stem from evolving submission practices, data quality standards, or resource limitations.
- While complete data is ideal for national spatial research, registry-specific data may support local, state, or regional studies.
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