Prostate cancer

National Prostate Cancer Registry (NPCR)

The National Quality Registry for Prostate Cancer (NPCR) is an incidence and process registry comprising all cases of PCa in Sweden. The aim of NPCR is to monitor time trends and geographical differences with regard to investigation, diagnosis, tumour characteristics and treatment.

The goal is for each PCa patient to receive the correct treatment. Type of therapy is crucial to avoid both under- and over-treatment. With the right treatment, the aim is for men with advanced PCa to receive optimal tumour control, for men at high risk for progression and death to receive curative treatment, and for men at low risk to receive treatment with minimal side effects.

Registration in NPCR is performed in three steps. In the first step, information is registered on the investigation that led to the diagnosis of prostate cancer, such as serum level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen), the number of biopsies (tissue flasks) taken, and how the tumour was assessed by microscopic examination. In the second stage, information is registered on the treatment and waiting times for treatment. If the patient received radiation therapy, this is reported separately by the treating oncology clinic. A third registration is done of patient-experienced symptoms before treatment, one year after surgery or radiation therapy, and five years after surgery or radiation therapy.

Contact information

Find contact information on the registry’s website.