Cases and Frequency

The governing body or cancer committee determines the types of cases to be followed. Though the cases listed in the table below are not included in the calculation rates for cancer programs approved by the CoC, individual institutions may choose to follow them.

The frequency of contact and procedures for initiation of follow-up are also established by the governing body. Follow-up letters are usually initiated at twelve months after the most recent date of contact in order to obtain information before the case is considered delinquent. Letters might be sent to physicians, patients or next of kin depending on the cancer registry's procedures. Some registries send physician letters at thirteen months to allow the patient time to schedule annual follow-up visits.