Data Sharing Practices in U.S. Cancer Registry: Results of NAACCR Survey

By Castine Clerkin, MS, CTR | September 8, 2025

In May 2026, NAACCR conducted a survey of U.S. registries to better understand the variation in data release practices. Forty-one registries responded to the survey (76% response rate) and data was analyzed by Betsy Kohler, in her role as consultant to NAACCR. The survey included questions about the primary data release to studies approved by…

Helping Vendors Help You

By Jim Hofferkamp, BA, CTR | September 1, 2025

Timely implementation of hospital registry software is essential for seamless data transmission and high-quality cancer surveillance. When software delays occur at the hospital level, the effects ripple throughout the cancer surveillance system, creating unnecessary challenges for central registries. Effective collaboration between central registries and hospital software vendors can minimize disruptions and support a stronger data…

Central Registry User Data Dictionary and Edits Metafile

By Lori Havener, CTR | August 18, 2025

The Mid-Level Tactical Group (MLTG) manages the cancer surveillance change control process to ensure an efficient and timely change management process. There are many steps in this process including monitoring the timing of products released. One of the products is the timely release of central registries’ user-defined data dictionaries and registry-specific edits metafiles. Central registries…

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 series begins May 12, 2026. If you or someone you know is eligible to sit for the exam and are looking to prepare, join us for the Summer 2026 ODS Exam Prep and Review series.…

National Childhood Cancer Registry (NCCR) Spring Feature

By Fernanda Michels | April 27, 2026

The NCCR Spring Feature highlights the SEER*Stat Tools Webinar, promotes an NCI Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) funding opportunity, and presents usage statistics from the NCCR Data Platform. This edition also features upcoming CCDI webinars, the 2026 NAACCR Conference, and the 2026 NCI Data Jamboree. SEER*Stat Tools Webinar From Data to Discovery:…

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

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

As we move into Spring, many cancer registries are preparing to begin 2026 abstracting, but registry standard setters are already looking ahead to 2027 – and beyond! The High-Level Strategic Group (HLSG) voted last month on changes to the NAACCR Data Standards and Data Dictionary (Standards) for use beginning with the 2027 diagnosis year (NAACCR v27). NAACCR…

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NAACCR CPR Guidelines to be Incorporated into HL7 LRI Implementation Guide

By Ashley Knealing | April 6, 2026

The NAACCR Cancer Pathology Reporting (CPR) Guidelines – also known as Laboratory Electronic Pathology Reporting Guidelines Volume V – are…

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

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 Fernanda Michels | February 23, 2026

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

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

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

As we move into Spring, many cancer registries are preparing to begin 2026 abstracting, but registry standard setters are already…

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

By Fernanda Michels | January 5, 2026

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

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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NAACCR CPR Guidelines to be Incorporated into HL7 LRI Implementation Guide

By Ashley Knealing | April 6, 2026

The NAACCR Cancer Pathology Reporting (CPR) Guidelines – also known as Laboratory Electronic Pathology Reporting Guidelines Volume V – are…

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

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

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