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…

NAACCR CPR Guidelines to be Incorporated into HL7 LRI Implementation Guide

By Ashley Harvieux | April 6, 2026

The NAACCR Cancer Pathology Reporting (CPR) Guidelines – also known as Laboratory Electronic Pathology Reporting Guidelines Volume V – are being incorporated into HL7’s Laboratory Reporting Interface (LRI) Implementation Guide through the May 2026 HL7 ballot process. This effort is led by Sandy Jones (contractor) in collaboration with NAACCR’s CPR workgroup. HL7’s LRI is a…

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and Cancer Registries

By Randi Rycroft, MSPH, ODS-C | March 30, 2026

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is a program operated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Division. This restitution program has existed for many years, and our colleagues in several states are probably already familiar with RECA. For years, the RECA program has compensated individuals affected by radiation exposure under three specific categories:…

Nominations Open for the 2027-2028 Board of Directors and Nominating Committee

By Stephanie Wilson, BA, ODS-C | October 26, 2026

The Nominating Committee is seeking nominees to run for election to four key leadership roles on the NAACCR Board of Directors, with terms beginning June 2027, as well as candidates for the 2027-2028 Nominating Committee. The NAACCR membership will cast ballots for the following positions: One (1) Treasurer. This is a two-year term. Three (3)…

National Childhood Cancer Registry (NCCR) Fall Feature

By Fernanda Michels | October 26, 2026

National Childhood Cancer Registry Fall Feature The NCCR Fall Feature highlights how high-quality cancer registry data continue to advance childhood cancer research and data sharing. This edition features a study examining patterns in pediatric cancer genomic testing, the expansion of the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) Participant Index and its integration with the NCCR Data…

Modeling Reporting Delay for Cancer Registries

By Huann-Sheng Chenc, PhD | October 5, 2026

Central cancer registries work hard to ensure every new cancer diagnosis is counted so that incidence data can be used for cancer control and planning and research. NAACCR Gold Certification requires that registries report 95% of cases within 23 months; and the vast majority of central registries in North America meet that benchmark Cancer registry…

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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.