REGISTRATION AREA: The Neuchâtel Cancer Registry covers the Frenchspeaking canton of Neuchâtel in western Switzerland, which shares a border with France. The canton is mainly rural, with only two cities (of approximately 35 000 residents each). Almost all residents are Caucasian; 38% are Protestant and 31% are Catholic. Foreign residents (predominantly of Mediterranean origin) account for about 23% of the population. The main occupational sectors in the canton are watch-making and the microtechnical industry (35%), agriculture (4%), and services (61%).
REGISTRY STRUCTURE AND METHODS: The bulk of information is provided by the Neuchâtel Institute of Pathology (INAP) through submission of biopsy, cytology, and autopsy reports. Notiĺcation is voluntary for medical institutions. Additional information is abstracted by the registry staff from computerized hospital charts. The registry routinely integrates abstracts of medical records into its database, and performs periodic electronic linkage between the registry database and the centralized cantonal administrative population database (for the purpose of active follow-up). All death certiĺcates are checked annually against the registry ĺles.