Benefits of Metafile Testing for Central Registries

By Elaine Collins | February 2, 2026

Testing new metafiles is a great opportunity for central registries to participate in the edit process. For standard metafiles, you get to review new edits, find concept and logic errors, comment on their usefulness and impact they might have on your data, and perhaps even suggest other likely edits. For call for data (CFD) metafiles,…

NCCR Winter Feature

By Fernanda Michels | January 26, 2026

The NCCR Feature Winter Edition highlights the NCCR 2025 Accomplishments and promotes the release of the 2025 AACR Pediatric Cancer Progress Report. 2025 NCCR ACCOMPLISHMENTS NCCR Data Platform Updates Imagine having access to comprehensive cancer surveillance data for children, adolescents, and young adults all in one place—linked to real-world evidence that tells the complete story.…

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

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

With his retirement date fast approaching, I asked Gary Levin, long-time director of the Florida Cancer Data System, to reflect on his 35 years in the cancer surveillance field. Gary was a 2025 recipient of the Calum S. Muir Memorial Award in recognition of his leadership and service to NAACCR and for the promotion of…

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…

New Report Released: Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I

By Fernanda Michels | May 25, 2026

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is proud to present Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I—the first comprehensive regional report compiling population-based cancer incidence data from across the Caribbean. This landmark publication represents a major step forward in strengthening cancer surveillance and advancing evidence-based decision-making in the region. Developed through CARPHA’s IARC Caribbean Cancer…

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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.