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Cancer Inquiry

cancer inquiry photo collage

pdf file Cancer Inquiry Protocol
Cancer Inquiry Brochure
Missouri Cancer Registry Website: http://mcr.umh.edu
pdf file Cancer Registry Brochure

Responds to public perception:

  • Of increased cancer in their community.
  • About the perceived increase in cancer must be from exposure to an environmental pollutant.

Informs public that:

  • Cancer is more common than most people realize.
  • Contrary to public perception, cancer is not usually caused by pollution or other environmental factors.
  • Most of the causes of cancer that we know about are related to lifestyle.

Signs of cancer excess:

  • Rare type of cancer is involved.
  • Large number of cases of the same type of cancer reported in a small population.
  • Cancer is occurring in an unexpected age group.
  • Possible exposure to cancer causing agent.
  • Cancer is not related to behavior.

smoke factoryHow to determine a cancer “cluster:”

  • The Cancer Inquiry Protocol is a systematic way to determine if the area of concern is above average in cancer excess.
  • If the area is above average, the Cancer Inquiry Protocol must determine if it is due to exposure to an agent or to randomness.

How does the Cancer Inquiry process work?

  • It usually begins with a phone call or letter to the Bureau of Cancer and Chronic Disease Control in which the inquirer discusses the concern with a staff member.
  • Information about cancer risk factors, clusters and forms to initiate an inquiry are sent if requested.
  • If the inquirer does not return required information on Cancer Inquiry forms, a letter is sent stating the inquiry will be closed.
  • If the forms are returned:
    • Cases are confirmed.
    • A preliminary report is written and presented to the Cancer Inquiry committee with recommendations.
    • The Cancer Inquiry committee decides if the inquiry meets the criteria from the protocol for more research.

Cancer Inquiry Committee

  • Committee members represent local, state and federal health and environmental agencies, and concerned citizens.
  • The Cancer Inquiry Committee reviews reports and determines if the inquiry should proceed to the next level.

Cancer Inquiry Protocol – a 4-stage process
inspecting a form

  • Level 1: Basic information gathering.
  • Level 2: Specific risk factor research, epidemiological analysis and statistical testing.
  • Level 3: Environmental research, epidemiological analysis and statistical testing.
  • Level 4: Feasibility study.