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

By Elaine Collins | December 22, 2025

Introduction Data relationships, electronic formatting, logical viewpoint – all come together in edits to support the collection of useful cancer information. The edits in the standard metafile realize standards that apply to data collected at the national level, but the same edit tools and processes are available to central registries to manage additional local data…

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…

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…

Launch of Automated Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) Methodology for VPR Studies

By Castine Clerkin, MS, CTR | May 18, 2026

On April 2, 2026, the first Virtual Pooled Registry (VPR) Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) was initiated between the U.S. Radiologic Technologist Study (USRT) and the 47 VPR registries. For some registries, this linkage was performed automatically by IMS, thereby minimizing the impact on registry resources. The remaining registries performed the PPRL linkage internally. Additional…

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.…

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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.