What Does a Cancer Registrar Do?

As a cancer registrar, you’ll serve as a valuable data information specialist. From developing computerized healthcare systems to analyzing cancer statistics, your responsibilities will directly improve cancer treatments for patients.

But precisely what does a cancer registrar do in their role? Let’s explore the day-to-day responsibilities of a cancer registrar and the qualifications you’ll need to enter the field.

Key Takeaways

• • Cancer registrars play a vital role in improving cancer care by collecting, analyzing, and managing cancer data across healthcare systems.
  • Successful registrars are detail-oriented professionals with skills in data management, medical terminology, and healthcare communication.
  • NCRA-accredited, fully online programs are available to help you start or advance your career in cancer registry management.

What Is a Cancer Registrar?

Beyond what we’ve already mentioned, cancer registrars work as data experts. A core aspect of the role is analyzing data based on patient race, history, and similar factors. By using this data to better understand treatments, cancer registrars can then educate staff. When staff members can provide more effective treatments, patient outcomes improve immensely.

You may also earn the Oncology Data Specialist (ODS, formerly CTR) credential. This national accreditation demonstrates that you meet the required standards to work in the field.

Key Responsibilities of a Cancer Registrar

As a cancer registrar, your responsibilities can vary. You might be examining patient medical history, interpreting cancer case data sets, or helping others understand the diagnosis and treatment of a patient. Regardless, adaptability is key to managing your workload as a cancer registrar.

A cancer registrar’s work includes:

• Assisting in the design and development of computerized registries.
• Educating staff on the various types of cancer, the data that demonstrates best treatment practices, and the best application of your facility’s healthcare information systems.
• Managing your facility’s cancer registry database, ensuring that the system (and your facility) complies with current standards.
• Tracking patient survival rates and gathering data for your facility’s cancer registry.
• Developing a working understanding of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program and applying it in your work.
• Setting priorities for the allocation of your facility’s health resources, which is often aided by your own studies into cancer causes and prevention.

Where Do Cancer Registrars Work?

Your expertise in analyzing and managing cancer registry data leads to multiple options in terms of where you work. Cancer control within the general hospitals and medical sector is the leading place of work, with 41.3% of all cancer registrar jobs being in that aspect of the healthcare industry.

However, some registrars work in education and local government, meaning they cooperate with public health officials. State government roles are also possible—4% of registrars work in that sector—as are roles in outpatient care and healthcare company management.

Skills and Qualifications Needed to Become a Cancer Registrar

While the ODS is a useful credential, it’s not essential to work in the field of cancer control. Most who enter the field earn an associate’s degree in cancer registry management. While not mandatory, this is ideally accredited by the National Cancer Registrar Association (NCRA) as well.

These degrees cover several aspects of medicine. Your curriculum may focus on areas like database record management, cancer program oversight, and common cancer registry procedures you would follow in your work.

Want to Learn More About UC’s Online Cancer Registry Programs? Contact Us Today

At the University of Cincinnati, we offer you the opportunity to earn your Associate of Applied Science in cancer registry management or your cancer registry management certificate. Both options offer the rare combination of being accredited by the NCRA and entirely online. You’ll have an opportunity to make a real difference in patient care and the treatment of cancer—all while studying at your own pace.

Ready to learn more about our flexible cancer registry programs? Contact an Enrollment Advisor today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the primary responsibility of the cancer registrar?

The primary responsibility of a cancer registrar is to collect, analyze, and manage cancer data that helps improve patient outcomes. By tracking diagnoses, treatments, and survival rates, registrars play a vital role in supporting cancer research, treatment planning, and public health initiatives.

What skills do you need to be a cancer registrar?

Successful cancer registrars are detail-oriented and analytical, with strong skills in data management, medical terminology, and critical thinking. Communication and adaptability are also key, especially when educating healthcare teams or interpreting complex data to support better treatment decisions.

Why would I want to be a cancer registrar?

The skills you develop are a major selling point. As a cancer registrar, you’ll become an expert in cancer registry data management and analysis, skills that are highly transferable to other roles. You’ll also work closely with a range of healthcare organizations, such as researchers, providers, and public health offices, to improve cancer care.

How much do cancer registrars get paid?

The National Cancer Registrars Association says the average salary for the role is $60,644, with the potential to move into middle-management positions that pay more.