Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results

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 U.S. population. SEER is an authoritative source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the United States. The program aims to provide a comprehensive overview of cancer statistics in the country to aid in the understanding of cancer trends over time, guide policy and programmatic decisions, and support cancer research.

Overview

The SEER program was established in 1973 in response to the National Cancer Act of 1971. Its primary objectives are to collect data on cancer incidence, patient demographics, primary tumor site, tumor morphology, stage at diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for patient survival. This data is crucial for researchers, policymakers, and public health officials to monitor cancer trends, understand cancer patterns in various populations, and evaluate cancer control programs.

Data Collection and Reporting

SEER collects data from various cancer registries across the United States, each of which is responsible for the population of a specific geographic area. The registries collect information on all new cases of cancer diagnosed in their areas, making SEER a valuable resource for understanding regional variations in cancer incidence and outcomes. The data collected includes patient demographics, cancer type, stage at diagnosis, first course of treatment, and survival information.

Access and Use

The SEER program provides access to its data through several mechanisms, including public-use data files and SEER*Stat, a software tool that allows users to analyze SEER data. Researchers and public health professionals use SEER data to conduct epidemiological and health services research, which helps in understanding the impact of cancer on the U.S. population and in developing strategies for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Impact

The SEER program has significantly contributed to the understanding of cancer epidemiology in the United States. Its data has been used in thousands of studies that have led to important discoveries about cancer risk factors, screening, treatment, and survivorship. For example, SEER data has been instrumental in identifying trends in cancer incidence and survival rates, evaluating the effectiveness of cancer treatments, and understanding disparities in cancer outcomes among different population groups.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, the SEER program faces challenges, including the need to adapt to changes in cancer diagnosis and treatment, ensuring the completeness and accuracy of cancer registry data, and addressing disparities in cancer registration across different regions and populations. Future directions for the SEER program include enhancing data collection methods, integrating genomic and molecular data, and expanding collaborations with other cancer research and surveillance efforts both nationally and internationally.