Cancer Patient Survival: What Progress Has Been Made?
PEMD-87-13
Published: Mar 31, 1987. Publicly Released: Apr 17, 1987.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO examined cancer survival rates, focusing on: (1) the accuracy, meaningfulness, and utility of the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) rates; (2) whether patient survival has actually improved; and (3) the factors contributing to any improvement.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Health and Human Services | The Secretary of Health and Human Services should include a description of the biases that can lead to misinterpretation of survival rate changes in future publications on patient survival to minimize misinterpretation. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
CancerCancer researchDisease detection or diagnosisHealth statisticsStatistical dataStatistical methodsTherapyChemotherapyPatient careSurgery