The completeness of brain tumour registration in Devon and Cornwall

Objectives: To determine ascertainment rates for primary brain tumours and examine factors influencing those rates. Design: Comparison of a clinical database with official figures from the Regional Cancer Intelligence Unit. Results: Of 1480 potential cases 52% appeared in the registry. Only two-thirds of patients operated upon were registered and less than one-third of those who were not operated appeared in the registry. Independent predictors of registration were having had an operation, 5.47 (4.19–7.17) (odds ratio (95% CI)), being over 60 years of age, 1.62 (1.26–2.07), and having a tumour requiring radiotherapy, 2.52 (1.74–3.66). Conclusions: There is asymmetric registration of primary brain tumours in Devon and Cornwall with under registration of more benign tumours in younger patients. If similar problems exist across the United Kingdom, this could have a negative influence on survival rates, and international comparisons of such rates should be performed with caution.