[An update on several indicators of the quality of data flow in a cancer registry in Vercelli (Piedmont, Italy)].

The first estimates of cancer incidence in the city of Vercelli in Piedmont (Italy) are now available for the years 2002 to 2005 and preliminary data are also available up to 2009. With respect to previously published results, the cancer database has been integrated with information from additional data sources to ensure that it will become, in the near future, a sound basis of information upon which to build an accredited cancer registry. An evaluation was therefore performed of two indicators of the quality of data flow: the proportion of cases with histological confirmation of diagnosis and cancer mortality to incidence (M/I) ratios. Both show an improvement with respect to 2005 but need to be significantly improved to reach the levels of excellence and accuracy that a registry must necessarily possess. Local health authorities will need to ensure staff availability and facilitate access to key data sources to fully evaluate cancer epidemiology in the area.