Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results

A program of the National Cancer Institute for cancer statistics

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) is a program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that collects and publishes cancer incidence and survival data from population-based cancer registries covering approximately 34.6% of the United States population. SEER is an authoritative source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the United States.

History

The SEER program was established in 1973 as a result of the National Cancer Act of 1971, which mandated the collection, analysis, and dissemination of all data useful in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Initially, SEER collected data from seven registries, but it has since expanded to include additional registries to provide a more comprehensive overview of cancer statistics in the U.S.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the SEER program are to:

• Collect and publish cancer incidence and survival data.
• Monitor trends in cancer incidence, mortality, and survival.
• Provide data for research on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Facilitate studies on cancer disparities among different population groups.

Data Collection

SEER collects data on cancer cases from a variety of sources, including hospitals, clinics, and pathology laboratories. The data collected includes information on patient demographics, primary tumor site, tumor morphology, stage at diagnosis, first course of treatment, and follow-up for vital status.

Age-specific SEER incidence rates from 2003 to 2007

Coverage

SEER covers approximately 34.6% of the U.S. population, including diverse racial and ethnic groups. The program's coverage includes registries in states such as California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Utah, among others.

Applications

SEER data is used by researchers, policymakers, and public health officials to:

• Analyze cancer trends and patterns.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of cancer control programs.
• Conduct epidemiological studies on cancer risk factors.
• Develop public health strategies for cancer prevention and control.

SEER-Medicare Linked Database

The SEER-Medicare Linked Database is a collaboration between the SEER program and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This database links SEER cancer registry data with Medicare claims data, providing a valuable resource for research on cancer care and outcomes among the elderly.

Related pages

• National Cancer Institute
• Cancer registry
• Epidemiology
• Cancer epidemiology