Cancer data: notifications

The law gives cancer patients clear notice that their diagnosis will be reported to the state and may be available to cancer researchers. It also directs patients to the California Cancer Registry for more information.

What the law does ​

• Requires hospitals and other facilities providing cancer therapy in designated cancer reporting areas to conspicuously post a state-designed sign.
• Requires the sign to state that the facility reports designated cancer diagnoses to the department and that the information may be available to cancer researchers.
• Requires the sign to include a QR code linking to the California Cancer Registry website.

Who it affects ​

• Hospitals and other facilities that provide therapy to cancer patients in designated cancer reporting areas.
• People diagnosed with cancers designated as reportable diseases.
• The California Department of Public Health, which must design the notice.

Context ​

Cancer-reporting information remains confidential, subject to limited authorized uses and disclosures.