New Study Highlights Enrollment Disparities in Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Trials Using NCCR Data

By Fernanda Michels | October 13, 2025

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) examines the factors contributing to enrollment discrepancies in clinical trials run by the Children’s Oncology Group (COG). Researchers analyzed data linkages between the National Childhood Cancer Registry (NCCR) and COG trial data in order to identify which populations of children with cancer…

CaRDO: A new tool for publishing population-level cancer statistics online.

By Peter Baade | October 6, 2025

Population-based cancer registries play a vital role in collecting high-quality data on newly diagnosed cancers. But it’s equally important to ensure that these data are clearly communicated to policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public – not only so cancer control efforts and public health priorities are guided by the best available evidence, but also that…

NAACCR Initiatives Supporting Pediatric and AYA Cancer Research

By Fernanda Michels | September 29, 2025

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of pediatric, adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancers and to highlight the importance of high-quality data in advancing research and improving outcomes. NAACCR is proud to share several ongoing initiatives that support pediatric and AYA cancer surveillance and research. The NAACCR Pediatric SSDI…

NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Angela Martin | July 13, 2026

NAACCR ODS Exam Prep and Review The Fall 2026 Session of the NAACCR ODS Exam Prep and Review webinar series is tentatively scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026. Registration for the series will start July 22, 2026. The series is $260 per participant. For more information go to https://education.naaccr.org/CTR. Contact Angela Martin, if you…

Artificial Intelligence Resources for Central Registries

By Ashley Knealing | June 8, 2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in the cancer data field, expanding rapidly and transforming how data collection is both managed and utilized. With the fast pace of technological advancements, it can be challenging to determine where to begin when exploring or implementing available AI tools related to cancer surveillance. To support this need,…

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…

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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.