The Hong Kong Cancer Registry (HKCaR) was established in 1963 as a population-based cancer registry and is a member of the International Association of Cancer Registries (IACR). Our main mission is to report the cancer incidence and mortality rates in the Territory, by collecting, consolidating and validating basic demographic data, information on the topography and histology of all cancers diagnosed in Hong Kong. In addition, information on staging, initial treatment and survival data have commenced for specific cancers in recent years. Analyses of these information demonstrate variations in cancer pattern in Hong Kong over time, and thus provides a basis for comparative geographical, epidemiological and clinical research.

The main purposes of the Registry are:

• to establish and maintain a cancer incidence database which provides statistical information for planning and evaluating cancer services in the health care system;

• to maintain data completeness, timeliness and quality according to the standards of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO (IARC);

• to monitor trends and patterns in cancer incidence and mortality;

• to provide the public, health professionals and researchers with statistical information for education and research.

To better serve these purposes, we need continuous improvement in efficiency and accuracy in our data collection. This can be achieved by better integration of the HKCaR's database with the information systems of hospitals and laboratories in both public and private sectors, and by standardisation of the reporting format. Indeed, our future success counts on the continuous collaboration and support the HKCaR has been rendered by all healthcare professionals and medical institutions who collect information on cancer patients in Hong Kong in their clinical services.

Dr. Harry YIU Ho-yin
Director of Hong Kong Cancer Registry