Topics for Studies of Quality must be based on:

The focus on problematic quality-related issues relevant to the local cancer population is crucial for ensuring that the studies of quality reflect the specific needs and challenges faced by the community served. This option emphasizes the importance of tailoring quality improvement initiatives to address the unique circumstances and barriers that patients in the area may experience. By concentrating on these local issues, programs can measure and enhance care effectively, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients.

In contrast, while national health trends provide valuable information, they may not directly address the specific conditions and needs of a local patient population. General patient feedback, although important, may lack depth in pinpointing particular quality issues that require targeted interventions. Global cancer statistics can offer a broad view but are often too generalized to be actionable at the local level. Thus, focusing on local problematic quality-related issues ensures that quality studies are relevant, targeted, and impactful for those served by the cancer program.