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…

Are You Ready for the Central Registry HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide?

By Ashley Knealing | November 24, 2025

Prior to official publication of the Central Cancer Registry Reporting HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide, the cancer registry community will have a chance to weigh in during a public comment period. Are YOU ready?  Join NAACCR on December 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET for an informational webinar on the Central Cancer Registry Reporting (CCRR) HL7…

NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Angela Martin | May 4, 2026

NAACCR ODS Exam Prep and Review Registration is open for the Summer 2026 ODS Exam Prep and Review series. The series begins May 12, 2026. If you or someone you know is eligible to sit for the exam and are looking to prepare, join us for the Summer 2026 ODS Exam Prep and Review series.…

National Childhood Cancer Registry (NCCR) Spring Feature

By Fernanda Michels | April 27, 2026

The NCCR Spring Feature highlights the SEER*Stat Tools Webinar, promotes an NCI Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) funding opportunity, and presents usage statistics from the NCCR Data Platform. This edition also features upcoming CCDI webinars, the 2026 NAACCR Conference, and the 2026 NCI Data Jamboree. SEER*Stat Tools Webinar From Data to Discovery:…

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…

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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.