A Practical Guide for Central Registries Updating to a V25B Metafile

By Matthew Mayfield, MS, ODS | August 4, 2025

Abstract The NAACCR V25B metafile brings new standards and logic for cancer data validation. As central registries prepare to implement this version, it is critical to understand the best practices for adopting and customizing the metafile to meet both internal and external needs. This article outlines three primary updates ranging from simple renaming and cleanup…

Welcome from the incoming NAACCR President, Eric Durbin

By Eric Durbin, DrPH, MS | July 28, 2025

Dear NAACCR members, It is a great honor to serve you and the cancer surveillance community as the incoming NAACCR President. First, heartfelt thanks to our outgoing President, Wendy Aldinger. Through her thoughtful and steady leadership, we have remained true to our mission. I also wish to express my gratitude to NAACCR Executive Director Karen…

Key Informatics Sessions from NAACCR 2025 Annual Conference

By Ashley Knealing | July 28, 2025

The NAACCR 2025 Annual Conference featured a lineup of dynamic, thought-provoking speakers who set the tone for the future of cancer registries. A key theme throughout the event was the expanding role of informatics in cancer registry operations, reflecting a growing emphasis on data integration, interoperability, and real-time analytics to enhance cancer reporting, research, and…

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

By Angela Martin | March 23, 2026

Strengthening Cancer Registry Professionals: The Work of the NAACCR Professional Development Steering Committee Leadership, Collaboration, and Growth in Cancer Surveillance Empowering the NAACCR Community The North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) relies on the expertise and dedication of its members to advance cancer surveillance. At the heart of this effort is the Professional…

2026 NAACCR Board of Directors Election Results

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

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 2026, there were four key leadership roles on the Board of Director to be filled: President and three Representatives-at-Large. Additionally, this year’s general election selected three new individuals…

TCR data inform the Texas Cancer Plan

By Keisha Keisha, MPH | March 16, 2026

The Texas Cancer Plan (TCP) is the state’s call to action for cancer research, prevention, and control. The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), in collaboration with the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR), the Cancer Alliance of Texas, and numerous stakeholders, is charged with developing a cancer plan every few years to address cancer-related…

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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.