St. Bernards Oncology Data Center is responsible for the accurate and timely collection, management and analysis of data on patients diagnosed with malignant diseases or other specified benign tumors. Ensuring strict patient confidentiality is top priority for department staff.

In 2005, a total of 1062 diagnosed analytic cases were accessioned, or entered, into the Center’s registry. This total includes the Commission on Cancer’s newly required accessioning of benign brain and central nervous system tumors. More than 18,000 patients have been accessioned into the registry since 1987.

Our data is electronically submitted to the Arkansas Central Cancer Registry and to the National Cancer database, which allows comparative analysis with other hospitals of similar size. Analysis of data for specific sites is done on local, state and national levels, comparing elements like age, stage of disease, grade of tumor, treatment modalities and outcomes. This information aids in the research and development of cancer treatment modalities.

For the purpose of quality analysis, one of the Oncology Data Center’s top priorities is the collection of accurate data elements. To improve and maintain accuracy of our data, the Cancer Committee reviewed 14 percent of the analytical cases diagnosed in 2005 at quarterly physician review meetings.

Another important part of St. Bernards cancer program is annual lifetime follow-up of every patient diagnosed with cancer. This not only ensures medical surveillance, but also produces a wealth of data regarding survival rates and treatment effectiveness over a continuum of care and time.

Gary McCracken, RN Manager, ODC
Tammy M. Newman, CTR Abstractor, ODC
Dawn Pate, Follow-Up Coordinator, ODC