Secondary data sharing: What is it, why is it important, and how is NAACCR involved?

By Castine Clerkin, MS, CTR | June 30, 2025

Secondary data sharing (SDS) occurs when a primary researcher shares data with a secondary researcher to advance science. Sometimes the shared data may contain information obtained from the cancer registry (e.g., through approved linkage requests). The NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy, published in 2003 and updated in 2023, requires that NIH-funded studies participate in…

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Reflections on the 2025 Annual Conference

By Karen Knight | June 23, 2025

Karen Knight, Executive Director of NAACCR, shares her reflections from the conference, with a call to leadership and working together during uncertain times. Having returned home from the 2025 Annual Conference in Hartford, CT, my heart is full of gratitude for this amazing community and my mind is full of new ideas, challenges and opportunities.…

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2025 NAACCR Board of Directors Election Results

By Mona Highsmith, BA | June 16, 2025

The NAACCR Nominating Committee is charged with encouraging volunteers to consider serving on the NAACCR Board of Directors and to accept eligible nominations for Board elections. For 2025, there were four key leadership roles on the Board of Directors to be filled: Treasurer and three Representatives-at-Large. Additionally, this year’s general election selected three individuals for…

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NCCR Winter Feature

By Fernanda Michels | January 26, 2026

The NCCR Feature Winter Edition highlights the NCCR 2025 Accomplishments and promotes the release of the 2025 AACR Pediatric Cancer Progress Report. 2025 NCCR ACCOMPLISHMENTS NCCR Data Platform Updates Imagine having access to comprehensive cancer surveillance data for children, adolescents, and young adults all in one place—linked to real-world evidence that tells the complete story.…

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FCDS Director, Gary Levin, Reflects on 35 Years in Cancer Surveillance

By Stephanie M. Hill, MPH, CTR, NAACCR | January 12, 2026

With his retirement date fast approaching, I asked Gary Levin, long-time director of the Florida Cancer Data System, to reflect on his 35 years in the cancer surveillance field. Gary was a 2025 recipient of the Calum S. Muir Memorial Award in recognition of his leadership and service to NAACCR and for the promotion of…

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Advancing Global Collaboration in Childhood Cancer Research: Data Resource Mapping and Federated Network Matrix

By Fernanda Michels | January 5, 2026

In November 2023, the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) (with support from NAACCR) and the French National Cancer Institute (INCa) co-sponsored the Paris Conference for an International Childhood Cancer Data Partnership. Organized within the framework of the first working group of the G7 Cancer Initiative and supported by the European Commission, the meeting brought together…

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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.

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.