Standardization of cancer registry data allows for aggregating and comparing cancer data as long as the data are collected using what?

The standardization of cancer registry data is crucial for ensuring that data can be effectively aggregated and compared across different studies, regions, or time periods. Having a universal case definition is vital as it provides a consistent approach to identifying and categorizing cancer cases. This uniformity ensures that all entities involved in data collection are working from the same criteria, which minimizes discrepancies in how cases are recorded.

In addition to the universal case definition, the requirement for data to be transmitted in a recognizable format is also essential. If the data cannot be easily understood or processed by various systems or organizations, it will hinder interoperability and complicate the process of data aggregation and analysis.

Together, these two requirements—having a universal case definition and ensuring data is transmitted in a recognizable format—enable reliable comparisons and aggregations, maintaining the integrity and usefulness of cancer registry data across different platforms and studies. This is why the combined need for both components makes this choice the most accurate.