VII.1 Follow-Up Information

A function of the California cancer reporting system is annual monitoring of patients to ascertain survival rates.

Therefore, if follow-up information is available before an abstract is submitted, include the follow-up information in the abstract.

Facilities with cancer programs approved by ACoS must update follow-up data annually (consult ACoS Guidelines for requirements). Obtain the information from medical records (if the patient has been readmitted), or from the patient's physician, contact letters, and telephone calls.

Annual follow-up is not required for a hospital that does not have a tumor registry and is submitting an abstract only to meet state reporting requirements. The CCR does not impose follow-up requirements beyond what a hospital chooses to do for its own purposes. For example, if a hospital elects not to follow non analytic cases, the CCR will not expect to receive follow-up information for such cases.

Effective January 1, 2010 and forward, follow-up is still required for the following tumors, although they are categorized in Class of Case 34 or 36:

• Benign and borderline CNS tumors diagnosed between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2003 (before the national benign and borderline CNS tumor reporting requirement was implemented)
• VIN III
• VAIN III
• AIN III

January 1, 2010 and Forward

Effective January 1, 2010 and forward, follow-up is no longer required for borderline ovarian cases diagnosed January 1, 2001 and forward.

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