Looking in from the Outside – a Retiree’s View

By David O'Brien | June 1, 2026

It has been three years now since I retired as the data analyst of the Alaska Cancer Registry in Anchorage. It was a hard decision to make, having been in that position for nearly 25 years and totally loving my job. I had great coworkers and had the privilege of working with amazingly talented colleagues…

New Report Released: Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I

By Fernanda Michels | May 25, 2026

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is proud to present Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I—the first comprehensive regional report compiling population-based cancer incidence data from across the Caribbean. This landmark publication represents a major step forward in strengthening cancer surveillance and advancing evidence-based decision-making in the region. Developed through CARPHA’s IARC Caribbean Cancer…

Launch of Automated Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) Methodology for VPR Studies

By Castine Clerkin, MS, CTR | May 18, 2026

On April 2, 2026, the first Virtual Pooled Registry (VPR) Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) was initiated between the U.S. Radiologic Technologist Study (USRT) and the 47 VPR registries. For some registries, this linkage was performed automatically by IMS, thereby minimizing the impact on registry resources. The remaining registries performed the PPRL linkage internally. Additional…

Looking in from the Outside – a Retiree’s View

By David O'Brien | June 1, 2026

It has been three years now since I retired as the data analyst of the Alaska Cancer Registry in Anchorage. It was a hard decision to make, having been in that position for nearly 25 years and totally loving my job. I had great coworkers and had the privilege of working with amazingly talented colleagues…

New Report Released: Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I

By Fernanda Michels | May 25, 2026

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is proud to present Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I—the first comprehensive regional report compiling population-based cancer incidence data from across the Caribbean. This landmark publication represents a major step forward in strengthening cancer surveillance and advancing evidence-based decision-making in the region. Developed through CARPHA’s IARC Caribbean Cancer…

Launch of Automated Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) Methodology for VPR Studies

By Castine Clerkin, MS, CTR | May 18, 2026

On April 2, 2026, the first Virtual Pooled Registry (VPR) Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) was initiated between the U.S. Radiologic Technologist Study (USRT) and the 47 VPR registries. For some registries, this linkage was performed automatically by IMS, thereby minimizing the impact on registry resources. The remaining registries performed the PPRL linkage internally. Additional…

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NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Angela Martin | May 4, 2026

NAACCR ODS Exam Prep and Review Registration is open for the Summer 2026 ODS Exam Prep and Review series. The…

By Fernanda Michels | April 27, 2026

National Childhood Cancer Registry (NCCR) Spring Feature

By Stephanie M. Hill, MPH, CTR, NAACCR | April 13, 2026

Looking to the Future: Changes Approved for 2027 NAACCR Data Standards

By Ashley Knealing | April 6, 2026

NAACCR CPR Guidelines to be Incorporated into HL7 LRI Implementation Guide

By Randi Rycroft, MSPH, ODS-C | March 30, 2026

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and Cancer Registries

By Angela Martin | March 23, 2026

How NAACCR’s Professional Development Steering Committee Advances Training, Mentorship, and Workforce Growth

OUR MISSION

Actionable content that unites cancer registries.

The Narrative strives to provide you with information you can use to enhance and strengthen your cancer registry. Look to the Narrative for the latest cancer surveillance news, trends, advances in technology, and latest educational opportunities.

OUR VISION

Make every cancer count.

Cancer affects thousands of people across North America every year. Each cancer case must contribute to our knowledge and understanding so that we may reduce the burden of these diseases. Narrative provides a platform for the cancer surveillance community to collaborate and share data that will improve health outcomes.

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New Report Released: Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I

By Fernanda Michels | May 25, 2026

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is proud to present Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I—the first comprehensive regional…

By Stephanie M. Hill, MPH, CTR, NAACCR | April 13, 2026

Looking to the Future: Changes Approved for 2027 NAACCR Data Standards

By Ashley Knealing | April 6, 2026

NAACCR CPR Guidelines to be Incorporated into HL7 LRI Implementation Guide

By Angela Martin | March 23, 2026

How NAACCR’s Professional Development Steering Committee Advances Training, Mentorship, and Workforce Growth

By Fernanda Michels | February 23, 2026

CONCORD*Explorer is now available! Access and Download Global Childhood Cancer Survival Estimates

By Elaine Collins | February 2, 2026

Benefits of Metafile Testing for Central Registries

CANCER REGISTRY SPOTLIGHT: MICHIGAN

Successful Linkage Between Registry Database and LexisNexis

In our ongoing commitment to enhance the quality and accessibility of data, we are thrilled to announce the successful linkage between our registry database and LexisNexis. This integration represents a significant step forward in streamlining our data processes and expanding our analytical capabilities.

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Looking in from the Outside – a Retiree’s View

By David O'Brien | June 1, 2026

It has been three years now since I retired as the data analyst of the Alaska Cancer Registry in Anchorage.…

By Ashley Knealing | April 6, 2026

NAACCR CPR Guidelines to be Incorporated into HL7 LRI Implementation Guide

By Lucinda Ham, RHIA, ODS-C | March 17, 2026

2026 NAACCR Board of Directors Election Results

By Keisha Musonda, MPH | March 16, 2026

TCR data inform the Texas Cancer Plan

By Monique Hernandez, PhD | February 9, 2026

Jumping on the Social Media Bandwagon; Strategic Planning and Alliances Steering Committee Social Media Campaign

By Elaine Collins | February 2, 2026

Benefits of Metafile Testing for Central Registries