Cancer Registrars Provide Critical Insight in Monitoring and Improving Cancer Treatment

Berlin, Md. – Cancer registrars throughout the world will join their colleagues, fellow medical professionals, and community leaders to observe the 21^st annual National Cancer Registrars Week (NCRW), April 10-14, 2017. The 2017 theme, Cancer Registrars: Putting the Pieces Together, reflects cancer registrars’ role in compiling the critical information needed to support effective cancer treatment and research, with the ultimate goal of preventing cancer and finding a cure.

“Quality cancer data is central to the nation’s fight against cancer, and cancer registrars are the first link in capturing that data. National Cancer Registrars Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the central role registrars play in the research, treatment, and prevention of cancer,” noted National Cancer Registrars Association president Linda Corrigan, MHE, RHIT, CTR.

Cancer registrars are data information specialists that collect and code patient-level data for cancer registries. The registries provide essential information to healthcare providers and health officials to better monitor and improve cancer treatment, conduct research, and target cancer prevention and screening programs.

Corrigan, who is the cancer registrar for Atlantic General Hospital’s Regional Cancer Care Center, collects a multitude of data points regarding cancer diagnosis and treatment in Worcester County and the surrounding area. Melanoma, breast and colorectal cancers comprise the majority of diagnoses. Regardless of type, treatment is often complex.

According to cancer registry data from 2014 through 2015, half of all cancer patients treated at Atlantic General Hospital received more than one type of treatment for their cancer. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapies are often used in combination to develop the most appropriate treatment for each patient. Communication and coordination among treating physicians is essential with multiple therapeutic modalities.

“The data we are collecting and the volumes of patients being treated at the Regional Cancer Care Center speaks to the need for expanded, holistic cancer care services for our community. Atlantic General Hospital recognizes this need and is diligently working to continue providing and expanding its treatment options right here, in our community,” added Corrigan.

About the National Cancer Registrars Association

Chartered in May 1974, the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) is a non-profit organization that represents more than 5,800 cancer registry professionals and Certified Tumor Registrars (CTRs). The mission of NCRA is to promote education, credentialing, and advocacy for cancer registry professionals. Cancer registrars are data information specialists that capture a complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status for every cancer patient in the U.S. The data provide essential information to researchers, healthcare providers, and public health officials to better monitor and advance cancer treatments, conduct research, and improve cancer prevention and screening programs. For more information, visit the NCRA website at www.ncra-usa.org.