Maine Cancer Registry Rules and Regulations - 10-144-255 Me. Code R. § 2

The State of Maine has established a Cancer Incidence Registry Program to collect case-specific data on all persons diagnosed with cancer living in Maine and, to the extent feasible, those Maine residents who are either diagnosed or die out of state.  The Program tabulates and summarizes patient data to determine the frequency and incidence rates by age, sex, and type of cancer for geographic areas, evaluates factors which might determine the incidence of cancer or survival of cancer patients, and assists others interested in improving the control of cancer among residents of the State of Maine. 

Data on cancer patients is to be submitted to the Department within 30 days from the date of diagnosis or discharge. In the event that more time is needed to obtain or verify the accuracy of required information, the facility/physician may delay submission of patient data for an additional 5 months (150 days).  Physicians or facilities should transmit data via Internet, by modem, or sent by 3 1/2" or 5 1/4" diskette; however, data may be submitted in the form of paper abstracts, if mitigating circumstances prohibit electronic transfer.

The Department requires providers to submit specific information designed to identify the cancer patient, the type of cancer the patient has, and the facility where the patient was diagnosed.