Empowering Data-Driven Cancer Prevention and Control in Metro Detroit
Our History.
The Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System (MDCSS) was organized in 1949 as a central pathology registry to serve 25 hospitals in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. Population-based cancer reporting, the collection of cancer data for all residents of the tri-county area, was initiated in 1969 with the MDCSS's participation in the Third National Cancer Survey of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Two years later, Congress passed legislation mandating the collection, analysis, and dissemination of cancer data on a national basis, leading to the establishment of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute in 1973. MDCSS is a founding member of the SEER Program. In 2021, MDCSS became a research support registry for the SEER program. In addition, MDCSS is appointed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to collect cancer data in the tri-county area for the statewide cancer reporting system.
To assemble and report estimates of cancer incidence and mortality in metropolitan Detroit.
To monitor annual cancer incidence trends and identify unusual changes in specific forms of cancer in population subgroups.
To provide continuing information on changes over time in the extent of disease at diagnosis, trends in therapy, and patient survival.
To support studies designed to identify factors leading to cancer control.
Goals of the MDCSS Registry
Operation of the MDCSS.
The charge of the MDCSS is to register all newly diagnosed cancer cases in residents of the Detroit Metropolitan Area as part of the Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program (MCSP).
(look up state law for cancer reporting- use MCSP website reference)
The data collected for all cases of cancer include patient demographics, type of cancer, tumor characteristics, the extent of disease at time of diagnosis, and type of treatment received for the first course of therapy. Follow-up on each patient is conducted annually to assess current vital status.
Cancer data are compiled by the staff of the Cancer Surveillance Unit of the Epidemiology Section. Members of this unit are involved in the collection, data entry and editing of this information. Our Cancer Registrars compile data from medical records in area hospitals, radiation oncology facilities, and private pathology laboratories. In addition, death certificates, nursing homes, and other sources are checked for information on cancer cases. In nearly five decades, data on over 1 million reportable cases have been included in the registry.
Research Utilizing the MDCSS Database
The MDCSS database is employed extensively for research purposes. Used alone, the data provide the capability for describing subgroups of the Detroit area population in terms of cancer incidence, survival, stage of diagnosis, and treatment patterns. The database also provides a springboard for launching more extensive studies which attempt to determine environmental, socioeconomic, dietary, and occupational exposures which may have an impact on cancer patterns and to assess the impact of screening, early detection and treatment on the length and quality of patient survival. The Detroit Metropolitan Area is particularly well-suited to these types of studies because of its diverse population and urban, industrial environment. The confidentiality of all identifier data is strictly maintained.
Studies supported by MDCSS data:
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RESPOND: African American Prostate Cancer Study
RESPOND is the largest research study ever to look for answers to the prostate cancer health disparity in African American men
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Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) Study
The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) study was conducted to investigate factors related to short and long term outcomes among cancer patients.
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Team Capable
A program tailored to both evaluate and promote the benefit of high-intensity interval and strength training on quality of life of patients diagnosed with cancer.
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Detroit Genetic Evaluation of Multiple Cancers (GEMS)
Detroit GEMS is a research study of cancer patients and survivors. This study is being done to learn more about what potentially makes someone more likely to develop multiple cancers.
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Disparities and Cancer Epidemiology-Colorectal Cancer
The Disparities and Cancer Epidemiology-Colorectal Cancer (DANCE-CRC) study is establishing a diverse cohort of Black and White colorectal cancer (CRC) patients living in Louisiana and metropolitan Detroit.
HOW THE DATA IS USED
MDCSS data play a large part in the success of many research studies run by Wayne State University and other research institutions across the United States. The experience of Metropolitan Detroit residents has added valuable information to some of the largest cohort studies of cancer survivors in the country. The findings from these studies have given us data about everything from cancer genetics to improving the quality of life of survivors.
