Cancer registries--future development and uses in Britain.

Cancer registries are a vital source of information on cancer epidemiology and cancer services. Their role has changed dramatically over the past 15 years. A number of factors will affect their future role, including health service changes, information technology, development of clinical datasets and greater demand for both health service and public information. The potential of cancer registration needs to be realized by clinicians and health authorities: how they can use the data, its limitations, and how they can support and influence it through this period of change. A strategic direction is needed so that cancer registries develop into a dynamic, interactive source of knowledge for the twenty-first century.