National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program data validation project

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cancer Screening
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) collects national data for cancer screening and diagnosis.
• Assessing the quality of NBCCEDP data is crucial for effective program management and evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the quality of data generated by the NBCCEDP.
• To assess the appropriateness of NBCCEDP-collected variables for program management and analysis.
• To identify potential data quality issues within the NBCCEDP.

Main Methods:

• A random abstraction of 5603 medical records from 6 NBCCEDP-funded state programs.
• Collection of 76 categorical and 11 text-based screening and diagnostic variables.
• Estimation of concordance between abstracted data and NBCCEDP data, including outcome-specific measures and screening performance.

Main Results:

• High concordance rates were observed for basic program outcome measures, such as cancer detection and abnormal screening tests.
• Variables like reported breast symptoms, fine-needle aspiration receipt, and colposcopy with biopsy showed poor or inconsistent concordance.
• The NBCCEDP data generally aligns with sociodemographic and clinical information in medical records.

Conclusions:

• The NBCCEDP data undergoes validation, confirming its general validity and consistency with medical records.
• Most data collected by the NBCCEDP is suitable for program management, evaluation, and analysis.
• Specific variables may require further refinement to improve data quality and consistency.