Sharing NAACCR Pediatric Cancer Initiatives on Dr. Rick Greene’s Cancer Registry World Podcast

By Fernanda Michels | December 15, 2025

I am excited to share that I was recently interviewed by Dr. Rick Greene for his Cancer Registry World podcast. It was a great opportunity to share my path into cancer surveillance and to highlight the pediatric work we are advancing through NAACCR. In the episode, I discussed several initiatives within the National Childhood Cancer…

The Importance of Professional Certification for Cancer Registrars

By Jim Hofferkamp, BA, CTR | December 8, 2025

Professional certification plays a vital role in strengthening the cancer registry workforce and ensuring the high-quality data that is essential for cancer surveillance, research, and public health planning. For cancer registrars, achieving certification demonstrates a thorough understanding of cancer registry operations, data standards, and coding principles. It reflects an individual’s commitment to excellence and provides…

NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Angela Martin | December 2, 2025

  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 registration will open December 5, 2025.  Registration for the series is $260 per participant. For more information and to register for the…

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 Knealing | 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:…

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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.