The role of registration in a nationwide cancer control program in Slovakia.

In comparison with the official statistics substantially higher, more reliable and more detailed cancer incidence and mortality rates were ascertained by the National Cancer Registry of Slovakia established in the frame work of a complex cancer control program initiated in Slovakia in 1976. The role of the registry in the evaluation of treatment, planning for material and personal resources, orientation of public education, improved classification of malignancies in childhood, in planning and evaluation of preventive measures as well as its experience with the use of the standard WHO system for cancer registries are described. A more important position for the registry in the continuous evaluation and current orientation of the cancer control program is suggested for the future.