Northern Ireland Cancer Registry - 2025
Research type
Research Database
IRAS ID
359768
Contact name
Damien Bennett
Contact email
Research summary
Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR)
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
25/NI/0104
Date of REC Opinion
14 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion
Data collection arrangements
Participants are those diagnosed or treated with cancer or a premalignant condition in NI or diagnosed or treated elsewhere but usually resident in NI.
Eligibility Criteria
The participant must meet the following criteria to be considered eligible:
Person diagnosed or treated in NI with a diagnosis listed below or
Resident of NI but diagnosed or received treatment outside of NI for any of the conditions below
Eligible conditions:
From 1993 onwards neoplasms with these the following ICD10 codes (International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition):
Malignant neoplasms C00 – C97
In situ neoplasms D00 – D09
Benign teratoma of testis D29.2
Benign neoplasms of brain and other parts of central nervous system D32, D33
Benign neoplasm of pituitary gland and craniopharyngeal duct D35.2 & D35.3
Benign neoplasms of pineal gland D35.4
Neoplasms (unknown/ uncertain behaviour) D37 – D48
Premalignant lesions of the cervix
Premalignant conditions of the digestive tract, including Barrett’s oOesophagus and oesophageal squamous dysplasia, gastric metaplasia, pancreatic cysts, gallbladder polyps and colorectal polyps.
Premalignant conditions of the female genitals, including Endometrial Hyperplasia and cervical lesions.
Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)
The NICR sources most of its data from healthcare systems in the form of data extracts and from patient health records. Access to health records is restricted to certain named authorised NICR staff who, like all NICR staff, have completed information security management training.
Research programme
he Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR), based at Queen’s University Belfast, aims to provide accurate and timely information on cancers and premalignant conditions diagnosed or treated in Northern Ireland. This data supports research, healthcare planning, and education, with the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of disease and delivering official cancer statistics annually. High-quality data from the NICR enables a wide range of research areas to be explored, including the overall cancer burden in the population and how patient outcomes can be improved. The registry tracks trends in cancer and premalignant conditions over time, examining variations by age, gender, socioeconomic status, and location, and allows comparison with international statistics. It supports survival analysis, helping to assess the impact of prevention strategies, screening programmes, improved diagnostics, and new treatments. It also investigates cancer clusters and the effects of co-existing diseases on outcomes, as well as how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced cancer presentation, diagnosis, and survival. NICR data aids in evaluating the cost of cancer care and monitoring the effectiveness of screening services. The registry also responds to specific queries, conducts audits of treatment and care, and recommends improvements. It contributes to scientific research and raises awareness of cancer among healthcare professionals and the public.
Research database title
Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR)
Establishment organisation
Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Centre for Public Health, QUB
Establishment organisation address
Mulhouse Building, RVH
Grosvenor Road
Belfast
BT12 6DP