A comprehensive cancer control program encompasses a variety of activities from primary prevention and screening through to treatment and palliative care. To operate such a program effectively there is a need to understand the magnitude of the cancer problem being dealt with and the impact of the problem on the community. It is not unusual for people to ask questions such as "how many people get cancer in Nova Scotia?" or, "What kinds of cancer are people diagnosed with?" Cancer Care Nova Scotia operates a cancer surveillance unit to assist in answering these types of questions and to provide expertise into epidemiological research.

A key component of the cancer surveillance effort is the operation of the Nova Scotia Cancer Registry. This registry has been in existence since 1964 and is responsible for collecting and analyzing data on all diagnosed cases of cancer in Nova Scotia. Registry operations meet the consensus on cancer registration standards outlined by both the Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR) and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). The NSCR works collaboratively with Statistics Canada to ensure that Nova Scotia data is part of the national Canadian Cancer Registry.

Maintenance of data confidentiality is a guiding principle for the registry. All activities, from the initial registration of a new cancer case, through to research and reporting are governed by strict guidelines for data access and reportability.

Due to the time frames required to collect accurate and complete data it is usually 9 to 12 months into a new year before the previous year's data can be reported. The most recent available Nova Scotia data is for years up to and including 2004 and is available on request. Click here to view the report on Understanding Cancer in Nova Scotia, 2000-2004.

Please contact the registry directly if you have questions related to cancer statistics:

Cancer Surveillance & Epidemiology Unit
Cancer Care Nova Scotia
Room 569, Bethune Building
1276 South Park Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3H 2Y9

Phone: (902) 473-5172
Toll free: 1-866-599-2267
Fax: (902) 473-4425