The Belgian Cancer Registry (BCR) registers all new cancer diagnoses in Belgium. However, we do not have data regarding recurrence after a primary cancer diagnosis.
With the support of the Foundation against Cancer (Stichting tegen Kanker), BCR is developing a methodology to estimate the proportion and timing of recurrence at the Belgian level, using available administrative data. Initially, the estimation of recurrence is planned for breast and ovarian cancer.
BCR is working closely with clinical experts from several Belgian hospitals to obtain a “gold standard” dataset with information on recurrence from medical records. This dataset will then be compared with administrative data (billing data from insurance institutions, cause of death). Ultimately, an algorithm will be developed to detect and combine the identified signals from the administrative data and provide general information on recurrence and its timing.
This data will be used to calculate progression-free survival, an outcome of great interest to patients, clinicians and scientific researchers.
