the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O)

The International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) is a specialized system used to classify and code cancer diagnoses. It provides detailed information on the type of cancer (such as its origin and histology) and helps healthcare providers consistently record and analyze cancer cases. By standardizing terminology, ICD-O facilitates research, treatment planning, and the sharing of patient information across different healthcare systems. It plays a crucial role in cancer registration and epidemiology, allowing for better tracking of cancer trends and outcomes globally.