Data Sharing Practices in U.S. Cancer Registry: Results of NAACCR Survey

By Castine Clerkin, MS, CTR | September 8, 2025

In May 2026, NAACCR conducted a survey of U.S. registries to better understand the variation in data release practices. Forty-one registries responded to the survey (76% response rate) and data was analyzed by Betsy Kohler, in her role as consultant to NAACCR. The survey included questions about the primary data release to studies approved by…

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Helping Vendors Help You

By Jim Hofferkamp, BA, CTR | September 1, 2025

Timely implementation of hospital registry software is essential for seamless data transmission and high-quality cancer surveillance. When software delays occur at the hospital level, the effects ripple throughout the cancer surveillance system, creating unnecessary challenges for central registries. Effective collaboration between central registries and hospital software vendors can minimize disruptions and support a stronger data…

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Central Registry User Data Dictionary and Edits Metafile

By Lori Havener, CTR | August 18, 2025

The Mid-Level Tactical Group (MLTG) manages the cancer surveillance change control process to ensure an efficient and timely change management process. There are many steps in this process including monitoring the timing of products released. One of the products is the timely release of central registries’ user-defined data dictionaries and registry-specific edits metafiles. Central registries…

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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.…

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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…

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Advancing Global Collaboration in Childhood Cancer Research: Data Resource Mapping and Federated Network Matrix

By Fernanda Michels | January 5, 2026

In November 2023, the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) (with support from NAACCR) and the French National Cancer Institute (INCa) co-sponsored the Paris Conference for an International Childhood Cancer Data Partnership. Organized within the framework of the first working group of the G7 Cancer Initiative and supported by the European Commission, the meeting brought together…

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An Interview with Our New RDU Chair

By Recinda Sherman, PhD, MPH, ODS-C | December 29, 2025

An Interview with our new Research and Date Use Committee Chair It was so much fun interviewing the RDU Co-Chairs…

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By Elaine Collins | December 22, 2025

Writing Edits – An Approach for a New Central Registry Edit Writer

By Fernanda Michels | December 15, 2025

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

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

The Importance of Professional Certification for Cancer Registrars

By Angela Martin | December 2, 2025

NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Ashley Knealing | November 24, 2025

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

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.

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Advancing Global Collaboration in Childhood Cancer Research: Data Resource Mapping and Federated Network Matrix

By Fernanda Michels | January 5, 2026

In November 2023, the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) (with support from NAACCR) and the French National Cancer Institute (INCa)…

Read More >
By Recinda Sherman, PhD, MPH, ODS-C | December 29, 2025

An Interview with Our New RDU Chair

By Fernanda Michels | December 15, 2025

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

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

The Importance of Professional Certification for Cancer Registrars

By Lucinda Ham, RHIA, ODS-C | October 20, 2025

Nominations Opening Soon for the 2026-2027 Board of Directors

By Fernanda Michels | October 13, 2025

New Study Highlights Enrollment Disparities in Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Trials Using NCCR Data

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.

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Member News

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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…

Read More >
By Jim Hofferkamp, BA, CTR | December 8, 2025

The Importance of Professional Certification for Cancer Registrars

By Lucinda Ham, RHIA, ODS-C | October 20, 2025

Nominations Opening Soon for the 2026-2027 Board of Directors

By Jim Hofferkamp, BA, CTR | September 1, 2025

Helping Vendors Help You

By Matthew Mayfield, MS, ODS | August 4, 2025

A Practical Guide for Central Registries Updating to a V25B Metafile

By Angela Martin | July 21, 2025

NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events