How data is used
The data we collect on cancer, rare diseases and congenital anomalies is used in a variety of ways. We analyse it and publish reports, but it is also used by others to improve the public’s health.
Find out more about our publications here.
The information we collect shows how many people in England have cancer, a rare disease or congenital anomaly. The data also shows how well treatments are working, which means it can be used to improve patient care across the country.
The patient data we collect helps us and researchers to:
Understand these diseases
Data helps us to understand how many how many people have cancer, congenital anomalies and rare diseases and who is at most risk of developing these diseases.
Improve diagnosis
Data helps us to explore how and where people are diagnosed. We also use data to monitor and improve screening programmes.
Plan NHS Services
Data helps us to discover how many people have different types of cancer and rare diseases. We use this information to improve how patients are treated after diagnosis.
Improve treatment
Data helps us to understand how different treatment affect patient outcomes and how treatments vary between hospitals.
Evaluate policy
Data helps us to compare survival rates and outcomes with other countries and monitor the impact of efforts to diagnose diseases earlier.
Improve genetic counselling
Data helps us to discover new gene mutations that cause cancer and rare diseases. This information is used by the NHS to provide accurate genetic counselling and give extra care to those at risk.
Read our data stories and listen to our webinars to find out how we use patient information to improve diagnosis and treatment of cancer, rare diseases and congenital anomalies.
How is my data used by others?
As well as using the data for our own research, we often share information with other organisations. These include The Office for National Statistics and The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. The data we share with other organisations is usually de-personalised, meaning it does not contain sensitive information like your name or date of birth. Find out more about how we keep data safe here.
Doctors and clinical teams can access anonymous patient data so they can see what treatments work well and compare their performance with other regions.
We also partner with charities, academics and the NHS to carry out research in cancer, rare diseases and congenital anomalies. This helps us learn more about these diseases and informs clinical practice and treatments.
Find out more about the partners we work with.