Registry Resources
In addition to online learning opportunities, NCRA offers a variety of resources that include publications and articles, and information pertaining to cancer registry operations. NCRA strives to deliver valuable information to enhance the registrar's knowledge and provide programs to help them to succeed in their profession. The Registry Resources section of the Center for Cancer Registry Education includes materials to assist registrars in their daily work. These items are complimentary and are designed to provide guidance on a variety of topics.
Special Note: NCRA has changed the name of its credential. Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) is the new name for the Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential. Please note that any reference to the Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential should be understood to be the Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) credential. For more information regarding the name change see the ODS Name Change.
The NCRA Education Committee’s Excel file of Cancer Registry References and Resources (Updated October 2024) provides registrars with a convenient and searchable tool to access the majority of references and resources needed to perform complete and accurate reporting of cancer data. Registrars are encouraged to download the file. Questions about the content of the resource or how to use it, should be directed to the organization or agency that develops and provides the resource. If you have another reference or resource to share or if a link is broken or needs updating, please email education@ncra-usa.org.
>The abstract is the basis of all registry functions. It is a tool used to help accurately determine stage and to aid cancer research; therefore, the abstract must be complete, containing all the information needed to provide a concise analysis of the patient’s disease from diagnosis to treatment. To assist registrars in preparing abstracts, NCRA’s Education Committee has created a series of informational abstracts and a presentation titled Using the Informational Abstracts in Your Registry that shows registrars how to use these important resources. These site-specific abstracts provide an outline to follow when determining what text to include.
The following sites are included: benign brain, bladder, breast, cervix, colon, endometrial, kidney, larynx, lung, lymphoma, malignant brain, melanoma, ovarian, pancreas, prostate, renal pelvis, testis, and thyroid. Updated 2022.
Video Presentation: Using Informational Abstracts
Additional resources: PowerPoint Slides; Where to Find Information to Abstract Various Data Items PDF; Medical Record - Breast; Medical Record - Colon
Do you have questions about whether telecommuting is right for you? Does your facility have a formal Telecommute Program? If not, would you like to see one implemented? NCRA’s Education Foundation has developed a tool-kit to help. Learn what it takes to develop a Telecommute Program and what makes a good telecommute worker. Understand administrators’ reservations and how to overcome them. Get the answers in the NCRA’s Education Foundation Telecommute Tool-Kit.