To ensure a valid statistical database,
the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College
of Surgeons requires that a start date be established
for CoC accredited registries. This date is known as
the reference data. It should be set as January 1, of
a given year. Once this date is established, all cases
diagnosed and/or treated at the facility on or after
this date must be entered into the registry. Registries
in cancer programs seeking approval from the CoC must first
accrue two years of data with one year of successful follow-up.
The original reference date must be maintained unless one of
the items in Table D occurs.
Requests to change the reference date must be submitted in
writing to the Commission on Cancer. They are considered and/or
approved at the CoC's Cancer Department's administrative level.
Table D.
Reasons for Possible Change of Reference Date
Changes in population or census
Inconsistencies or lapse in the database
High lost-to-follow-up rate
Changes in data acquisition methods
Lack of staffing for an extended period
