Under the Hood of the NAACCR Call For Data Edits Metafile

By Elaine Collins | March 24, 2025

During the annual Call for Data (CFD), NAACCR receives data from central cancer registries for evaluation, certification, and publication. To support the CFD and to assist the central registries in preparing the data, NAACCR releases a special Call for Data edit metafile, separate from the standard edit metafile that central registries use throughout the year…

New VPR Registries and Initiatives

By Castine Clerkin, MS, CTR | March 17, 2025

We are excited to announce that Minnesota has joined the Virtual Pooled Registry (VPR) initiative and is currently performing their first linkage. Nevada has also rejoined the VPR after a brief hiatus. This brings the number of VPR registries to 47, representing 96% of the U.S. population. A big thank you to all the participating…

“Making the Case for an International Childhood Cancer Data Partnership” paper published!

By Fernanda Michels | March 3, 2025

Following the 2023 Paris Conference for an International Childhood Cancer Data Partnership, a collaboration of the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI), the French National Cancer Institute (INCa), and NAACCR, I am pleased to share an exciting new development. A scientific paper titled, Making the Case for an International Childhood Cancer Data Partnership, authored by Gonçalo…

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

By Fernanda Michels | February 23, 2026

We are delighted to let you know that CONCORD*Explorer is now live on the NCI website! This is a new collaboration between the Cancer Survival Group in London, the SEER program at the National Cancer Institute, with support from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) and Information Management Services, Inc. (IMS). CONCORD*Explorer…

NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Angela Martin | February 16, 2026

NAACCR ODS Exam Prep and Review The NAACCR ODS Exam Prep and Review series is offered prior to each exam (Spring, Summer, Fall). The Spring 2026 ODS Exam Prep and Review series has started but you can still register. The series is $260 per participant. For more information and to register for the Spring session…

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

By Monique Hernandez, PhD | February 9, 2026

Social media has become a central, if not a primary vehicle for public health communication and campaigns. It helps with reaching a broader audience, promoting health literacy, countering misinformation through posting evidence-based content, and raising awareness about specific health issues, risks, and solutions. Over 80% of U.S. State Departments of Health now have a social…

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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.