History and status of the Cancer Surveillance System of Western Washington

A cancer registry for a population of over 2 million people was established in 1973. Although the population is predominantly white, the presence of people of Oriental stock provides a potential for migrant studies and international comparisons. Over 7,900 resident cancer cases are detected annually, and a good system for evaluating completeness of reporting and quality of collected data has been devised. To utilize the resources that the registry represents, we have a competent staff of epidemiologists and biostatisticians with academic appointments at the University of Washington and interests in cancer etiology, evaluation of care, and teaching.