The Tasmanian Cancer Registry

What is the Cancer Registry?

The Tasmanian Cancer Registry was established in 1977 by the Health Department of Tasmania to collect information about cancer cases in Tasmania. The Registry is located at the Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, a department of the University of Tasmania.

By law, cancer registration is required in all States and Territories to assist Australia-wide efforts to understand the causes of cancer, plan health services and assist prevention efforts and treatment decisions.

Privacy is protected by law under the Public Health Act 1997.

How does information get to the Register?

It is required by law that all hospitals, radiotherapy departments, and pathology services inform the Registry of all cancers that have been identified in the State.

What information is on the Register?

The information collected about people with cancer includes:

• name and address
• sex
• date of birth
• country of birth
• body site and type of each cancer
• the institution or doctor who supplied the information.

These details are needed so that accurate information is kept for each person and that each new cancer is only counted once. These details are kept strictly confidential by law.

What is information on the Register used for?

The information is used to:

• monitor the number of new cases of cancer in Tasmania
• compare Tasmanian and Australian cancer trends
• plan services for cancer control and the care of people with cancer in Tasmania
• assist in gathering information about cancer treatment, cancer care and cancer programs
• provide information for research into the causes of cancer and the results of prevention, screening and treatment services
• contribute to Australia-wide reporting of the number of people with cancer and their eventual outcomes.

Who has access to information on the Register?

The Registry publishes a report each year showing the number of new cases of cancer. These reports do not give names or any other personal information. The publication is available to anyone by request.

More detailed information, which still contains no personal details, is also made available to the Department of Health and Human Services, local government, health care institutions, health care professionals and health researchers.

The cancer registry in each state sends information to the National Cancer Statistics Clearing House so that the number of people with cancer in Australia can be counted.

In some very strictly controlled research projects, names may be released to the researchers. This will only happen where there is a real chance that a research project will be of benefit to the health of Tasmanian people and be performed in an ethical way. You may be contacted for your consent to be part of a study but only after it has been approved by an Ethics Committee.

Where can I get more information about cancer?

Your doctor will be able to inform you about cancer risks, effects and treatment. You may also contact the Cancer Council of Tasmania for information about cancer and support services for people with cancer and their families.

Cancer Council of Tasmania
140 Bathurst Street, Hobart, 7000
Phone: 03 6233 2030

2/216 Charles Street, Launceston, 7250
Phone: 03 6336 2030

Cancer Help Line: 1300 656 585

Where can I find out more about the Registry?

If you would like more information about the Tasmanian Cancer Registry, please contact:

Tasmanian Cancer Registry
Menzies Research Institute
Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001

Phone: 03 6226 7757
Fax: 03 6226 7755
E-mail:

If you would like to read the reports of the Cancer Registry please contact us or visit our website: www.menzies.utas.edu.au

For Australian reports on cancer please visit: www.aihw.gov.au/cancer/publications.cfm