History and overview of the site-specific cancer registries in Japan

The organ- or site-specific cancer registries were organized in Japan to obtain precise clinical information on cancer patients. The gastric cancer registry began in 1965, and the uterine cancer registry, soft part and bone tumor registry followed. The number of site-specific registries is now more than 18, and each has specific characteristics as shown in each chapter of this book. Hospitals participating with the registries are over two thirds of those with more than 600 beds, about half those with 400-599 beds, and about 10% of those with less than 200 beds. On average, 23-30% of all cancer patients in the country are estimated to be listed in one of these registries by expert clinicians. The rate of pediatric tumor registration is high and estimated to be about half of all cases of that type. Historical and characteristic features of site-specific cancer registries are overviewed.