On the coding and reporting of race and ethnicity in New Hampshire for purposes of cancer reporting

Background: The objective was to investigate how data on race and ethnicity are collected by hospitals reporting to the New Hampshire State Cancer Registry (NHSCR). Method: NHSCR surveyed hospitals asking how information on race and ethnicity were collected. A review of relevant legal mandates and national guidelines was undertaken. Results: Many hospitals lack policies on collection, computer systems fail to support national guidelines, and staff rely on visual inspection. Conclusions: Hospital staffs are not now culturally equipped to collect race and ethnicity in a meaningful way. The numerator in cancer incidence rates is most likely not accurate and for some smaller populations very biased. A new framework is needed that takes into account the needs of the democracy.