Cancer Control Program

Rhode Island Cancer Registry

For Researchers

Index Date

The Rhode Island Cancer Registry was established by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1985. It began collecting reports of newly diagnosed cancers on 1 October 1986, and newly diagnosed benign neoplasms of the brain or central nervous system on 1 January 1997.

Timeliness of Data

Under the Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Cancer Registry, cases of malignant disease and benign neoplasms of the brain or central nervous system must be reported to the Registry within 180 days of diagnosis. About 75 percent of all cases are reported within this deadline, and virtually all cases within 90 days thereafter. Preliminary cancer rates for a calendar year are produced 13 months after the close of that year, based on case counts that are at least 90 percent complete. Final cancer rates for a calendar year are produced 23 months after the close of that year, based on case counts that are at least 95 percent complete.

Cases Diagnosed Out of State

The Rhode Island Cancer Registry has forged reciprocal data sharing agreements with the States of Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. Rhode Island residents whose cancers are diagnosed in these states are reported to the Rhode Island Cancer Registry as well as to the states in which the cancers are first diagnosed. These cases are batched before they are sent to Rhode Island and may therefore experience significant delays in reporting.

Availability of Data

In addition to the cancer statistics listed on this website, other data may be requested from the Registry.

Non-confidential data may be requested by calling (401-222-1172) or by e-mailing the Rhode Island Cancer Registry.

Confidential data may be requested by submitting a formal proposal for their use to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Rhode Island Department of Health, with a copy to the Rhode Island Cancer Registry. Guidance for submission (policies, procedures, and actual forms) to the Department of Health's IRB is available online. Questions regarding confidential data requests may be referred to the Rhode Island Cancer Registry by telephone (401-222-1172) or by e-mail.

Confidential data may be released to qualified researchers who assure strict protection of human subjects, including the confidentiality of all information from cancer case reports.