How the state collects and uses cancer statistics

The department of health shall engage in the collection and analysis of statistical information on the morbidity and mortality of cancer in the State. The morbidity data may be collected in cooperation with the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Medical Association, and the Hawaii Cancer Society. All data collected by a cooperating agency may be shared with the department of health in the form specified by the department of health. The mortality data as collected from death certificates shall be analyzed by the staff of the department in order to determine the significance of cancer in the State by race, sex, age, occupation, site in the body, and in any other way found desirable for the purpose of determining the areas where greatest emphasis should be laid in the statewide cancer control program. The morbidity data shall be used: (1) In determining the prognosis and chance of cure, as well as the number of persons cured of cancer in the State; (2) For assisting in the direction of tumor research; (3) For determining, if possible, the tendencies of benign tumors to become malignant; (4) For assisting in the follow-up of diagnosed or treated tumor cases as requested by attending physicians; and (5) For improving the reporting of the cause of death on death certificates. All statistical material collected under this section shall be considered confidential as to the names of persons or physicians concerned, except that researchers may use the names of those persons when requesting additional information for research studies when the studies have been approved by the cancer commission of the Hawaii Medical Association and the appropriate federally authorized human subjects protection board.