Combining data to perform population-based observational studies: know your sources. The case of thyroid cancer in Belgium

Abstract Background Large scale observational studies are crucial to study thyroid cancer incidence and management, known to vary in time and place. Combining cancer registry data with other data sources enables execution of population-based studies, provided data sources are accurate. The objective was to compare thyroid tumour and treatment information between the available data sources in Belgium. Methods We performed a retrospective national population-based cohort study. All patients with thyroid cancer diagnosis in Belgium between 2009 and 2011 ( N = 2659 patients) were retrieved from th... Mehr ...