Innovative field methods for residence confirmation and updating follow-up status of cancer cases: Experience from rural cancer registry, Punjab, India

Background: The Sangrur population-based cancer registry, Punjab state, India experienced several challenges in confirming residence as well as updating the follow-up status of cancer cases, which is critical for accurately labelling incidence and providing cancer survival. This study presents innovative field strategies adopted by the Sangrur population-based cancer registry for residence confirmation and updating follow-up status of cancer cases. Methods: A network was developed with the involvement of local community members to validate the address and follow-up status of cancer cases. In addition, social media was used to trace patients who were loss to follow-up. Results: The Sangrur population-based cancer registry was unable to trace a total of 31 cancer cases. After implementing innovative field methods, 26 (83.9%) cases were successfully traced back; while 5 (16.1%) cases were untraced despite several efforts. A majority of these 31 cases were from urban areas (93.5%) compared to rural (6.5%). True Caller with the help of WhatsApp contributed significantly by tracing 9 cases (34.6%); followed by 4 cases (15.4%) traced with the help of a postman, 3 cases each (11.5%) with the electoral list and gas agency personnel, and 2 cases (7.7%) through medical shops. Also, 2 cases (7.7%) were traced with the help of treating hospital while Facebook and property tax office traced 1 case (3.8%) each. Conclusion: By engaging with the local community, and with the use of social media, the patient's residence and follow-up status can be updated. Due to this method, accurate labelling of the incidence can be achieved.