[Evaluation of anamnestic data of cancer patients (comprehensiveness of the "Oldenburg Anamnesis Questionnaire")].

An evaluation of case history data of cancer patients is presented. These data were recorded by means of a case history form in the cancer registry of Weser-Ems between 1988 and 1993 in the Weser-Ems region (Lower Saxony). Completeness and rate of errors were the quality criteria. The completeness was insufficient (23-92%), whereas the rate of errors was low (1%). In the course of years the completeness of the clinically relevant items increased, probably because the form had to be completed by the physician. About 99% of the cancer patients were of German nationality. The cause of registration was mainly the appearance of symptoms or a pathological finding while investigating for another reason. In respect of correlations between anamnestic data and carcinomas smoking or/and alcohol-abusus were significant. There was an association in men between these factors and carcinomas of the oropharynx and oesophagus, respectively of the lung; 85 resp. 75% of the men with theses carcinomas had smoked excersively and/or had abused alcohol. Data concerning the profession of the patients were irrelevant. Gynaecological ananestic data did not yield any new knowledge, which is why these and other items may be ignored. This resulted in a new anamnestic and patient questionnaire sheet were drawn up. These are now being tested in the Weser-Ems region since October 1995.