Digestive Tumor Registry

Established in 1978 at the Caen Normandy University Hospital, this specialized registry records all cases of digestive cancers occurring in people residing in the department, as well as all clinical, therapeutic, and follow-up data for these tumors. Just under 1,000 cases are registered each year, and its database contained approximately 32,000 cases in 2023.

The registry is located in the institution's new biology and research building and is integrated into the Interdisciplinary Research Unit for the Prevention and Treatment of Cancers – Anticipe Unit ( INSERM U1086) . The Caen Normandy University Hospital is responsible for the registry's maintenance and database processing.

In practice, the registry receives reports from various data sources originating from healthcare professionals in the department (anatomical pathology, hospital data, death certificates, etc.)

He then verifies the data concerning digestive cancers; collects specialized data from all professionals involved in patient care; and records vital status using INSEE data. He is responsible for the confidentiality and security of the collected data.

Since 2002 and the implementation of the first national cancer plan (2003-2007), the registries have been placed under the joint supervision of the National Cancer Institute ( INCa ) and Public Health France ( InVS ), and participate in a national partnership work program.

To fulfill its public health and research missions, the registry collects information regarding patients' identities, places of residence, detailed descriptions of tumor types, and the follow-up and care they receive. This information is largely provided to the registry by the physicians responsible for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients. The data collected is protected by medical confidentiality and is strictly confidential.

Health monitoring

The registry contributes to the production of surveillance indicators in France and worldwide : national incidence, regional incidence, survival, and prevalence. Its mission is to assist institutions in "the ongoing monitoring and observation of the population's health status…".

Epidemiological research

Furthermore, the registry collaborates on national research projects with France Cancer Incidence et Mortalité and international projects with EUROCARE and CONCORD .

Its data enables high-quality research in the fields of clinical epidemiology (survival studies and evaluation of cancer prognostic factors) and etiological epidemiology (identification of cancer risk factors). Finally, it allows for the evaluation of screening programs or care practices against existing guidelines.