The state’s cancer registry received its highest-ever federal certification and a 12th straight top rating from a national registry association, according to the S.C. Department of Public Health.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Central Cancer Registry has received the top certifications available from both of its accrediting organizations, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
For the first time in its 30-year history, the registry earned the Registry of Excellence designation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Program of Cancer Registries, according to DPH. The designation signals that the registry met the highest standards for data quality, completeness and timeliness. South Carolina was one of 20 states to receive the certification, DPH said.
The registry also earned Gold Standard certification from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries for the 12th consecutive year, according to DPH.
“This recognition highlights the outstanding work our South Carolina Cancer Registry team does to collect, process, analyze, and publish accurate cancer data,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, acting DPH director. “The insights gained through their work plays a vital role for our partners at every level, helping us understand cancer trends in South Carolina and guiding meaningful efforts to reduce the impact of cancer in our communities.”
As part of the CDC program, the registry collects, processes, analyzes and publishes data on newly diagnosed cancer cases in South Carolina, along with cancer mortality data provided by DPH, according to the release. Data from NAACCR member registries also support national cancer surveillance efforts backed by the CDC and the National Cancer Institute, DPH said.
The registry serves as DPH’s point of contact for assessing community cancer concerns through data analysis, following CDC guidelines to identify unexpected increases in cancer cases, according to the department. It provides a Community Cancer Assessment report for such requests.
DPH said cancer incidence and mortality data can be requested by contacting the registry at [email protected].
Based on a release from S.C. Dept. of Public Health.
