SCHS: CCR: Training Resources for Cancer Registrars
There is a wealth of training and educational resources available to cancer data reporters, cancer registrars, Certified Oncology Data Specialists (ODS/CTR®), those interested in becoming an ODS, and those who want to learn more about the skills and expertise needed to be a cancer registrar. Below are highly recommended training and educational resources available from national cancer registry standard setters. Click on the links to learn more from the agency providing the training materials.
AJCC Cancer Staging: View recordings of webinars on AJCC Cancer Staging. Webinars are designed to provide cancer registrars a step-wise learning environment for self-study, complete with quizzes and case scenarios to reinforce the appropriate application of AJCC staging principles.
- Monthly Cancer Registry and Surveillance Webinar Series: A different webinar is presented on the first Thursday of each month. Each webinar consists of anatomy, staging, treatment and how to code it.
- CTR Exam Preparation & Review: A webinar series with online interactive instruction with live instructors, covering material that will reflect the CTR exam.
- NAACCR Talks: Free webinars on topics of concern to the NAACCR membership.
- Understanding Central Cancer Registries Survey Course: This course will allow participants to gain a better understanding of the functions and processes of a center cancer registry. Webinars are presented by leaders in the registry community.
- NCRA Center for Cancer Registry Education: Access to high-quality educational programming to support both seasoned professionals and those new to the field. Most are fee based.
- NCRA Council on Certification: The Council on Certification promotes standardization in the collection and use of cancer data through examination and certification of Cancer Registrars and other cancer data specialists. The ODS/CTR® credential marks achievement, fosters professional pride, and is nationally recognized in recruitment and retention of registry personnel.
- SEER*Educate: This comprehensive training platform is tailored specifically for cancer registry professionals to improve technical skills through applied testing on the latest coding guidelines and concepts.
- SEER Training Website: Web-based training modules for cancer registration and surveillance.
- SEER Self Instructional Manuals: A collection of instructional manuals in PDF format.
National Reporting, Coding, Staging and Abstracting Manuals
The following are the manuals currently in effect for ensuring accurate and consistent cancer data. Data reporters are required to follow these guidelines and must apply these coding instructions for each data item when abstracting cases.
These reporting requirements follow national data standards to ensure the uniform description and reporting of neoplastic diseases. Proper classification is essential for clinicians and researchers to evaluate results of management. These requirements serve as the standard for reporting on the incidence and outcome of cancer to the healthcare community and the public.
- ACoS CoC CAnswer Forum
- ACoS CoC Standards for Oncology Registry Entry (STORE)
- AJCC 8th Edition Cancer Staging Manual
- Collaborative Stage Data Collection System
- ICD-O-3 Online
- ICD O 3.2 Coding Guidelines
- NAACCR Data Standards and Data Dictionary
- NC CCR Cancer Collection and Reporting Manual (CCARM – used in NC only)
- SEER Casefinding Lists
- SEER Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Neoplasm Database
- SEER Inquiry System
- SEER Program Coding and Staging Manual (used in SEER-funded CCR’s only)
- SEER*Rx Interactive Antineoplastic Drugs Database
- SEER Solid Tumor Rules
- SEER Summary Stage 2018
- Site Specific Data Items (SSDI) and Grade Manuals 2018
Last Modified: January 9, 2025