Quality of cancer-related data from the Danish National patient registry (1994–2025) and the Danish cancer registry (2004–2025): a systematic review

The Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR) and the Danish Cancer Registry (DCR) are central to registry-based cancer research. This systematic review evaluates studies assessing the quality of cancer-related data in these registries under their current data structures. PubMed and Embase were systematically searched on January 24, 2025 (PROSPERO: CRD420251005952). Studies validating cancer-related data in the DNPR or DCR against a gold standard were included. Findings were synthesized narratively and categorized by DNPR data, DCR data, or multi-source algorithms. The literature search generated 915 records, of which 50 were included: 23 validated DNPR data, 9 DCR data, and 18 algorithm performance. The quality of DNPR cancer diagnoses and treatment showed positive predictive values (PPVs) of 57–100%, highest for common malignancies and treatments. The quality of DNPR comorbidities and complications varied substantially (PPVs 0–98%). The PPV of a melanoma diagnosis in the DCR was 97%. The DCR staging completeness varied considerably (34–95%). Algorithms presented PPVs of 60–96% for recurrence, active cancer, and recognized metastases, and 28% for unrecognized metastases. The DNPR and DCR provide high-quality data for many cancer diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes, supporting their use in register-based research. While some data elements, including data on complications, exhibit lower quality, algorithmic approaches can enhance utility for less robust data. However, several aspects of cancer-related data remain unvalidated.