Linking data is the process of matching data from different sources based on identical or similar items from each source.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Not sure

Answer: (A)

Data linking involves identifying and merging records that refer to the same person or entity across different data sources. It relies on matching items that are identical (such as a patient ID) or similar (like name, date of birth, and address) even when data come from separate systems. This can be done deterministically with exact key matches or probabilistically when exact matches aren’t available but field similarities suggest a match. The statement captures exactly how linking data works, so it is correct. In cancer management, linking enables combining information from pathology reports, electronic health records, and registries to create a complete patient picture, supporting better research and coordinated care.