Progress Report for NCI Challenge:
Studying Emerging Trends in Cancer

Sustained Investment in Studying Cancer Trends Improves Knowledge and Understanding of Cancer

• Cancer Surveillance
  
• Research Methods
  
• Application
  
• Disseminating Advances
  

This is a report on progress toward objectives outlined in previous years as part of the NCI Challenge for Studying Emerging Trends in Cancer. While we are not requesting additional funding increases in this area, the following efforts will continue to produce the information and resources needed for high quality, well informed research, program planning, and health policy.

Cancer Surveillance

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) program serves as the foundation for a national system of data resources on all aspects of cancer surveillance. We have:

• Increased coverage and made it more representative of the entire population, including racial/ethnic minorities and groups living in rural areas - through expansion and partnerships with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state cancer registries.
• Expanded quality data on risk factors; health behaviors (such as diet, tobacco, physical activity, and screening); extent of disease, treatment, and lifestyle; and quality of life for cancer survivors - through public and private partnerships.
• Provided scientists with information (generated by Economic Studies in Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Care and Cancer Surveillance Using Health Claims-Based Data Systems) to assess trends, quality, and the cost of cancer care.
• Conducted Patterns of Care studies to assess the quality of care cancer patients receive. See Quality of Care chapter for more information on this and other outcomes research.

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Research Methods

• The Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) uses computer-based modeling to study the need for and the effectiveness of cancer interventions.
• The recently completed study, Observing Protein and Energy Nutrition, is improving our ability to use and interpret dietary assessment data.
• The Family History of Cancer Assessment Study is assessing the accuracy of reports of cancer family histories.

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Application

Our data system and methodological resources are being distributed widely and integrated into a number of public and private sector efforts. For example:

• The Atlas of Cancer Mortality shows geographic patterns of cancer death rates and a companion Geographic Information Systems provides tools for using the Atlas.
• The Cancer Profiles system identifies areas in greatest need of cancer control activities. NCI is using Cancer Profiles and other statistical tools for cancer control planning activities with Federal and state partners as well as with the American Cancer Society.
• Analytic tool kits simplify the use of SEER and other surveillance databases.
• The Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey tracks progress in tobacco control at state and national levels.
• The Diet History Questionnaire is a validated, easy-to-use tool for use in epidemiologic and surveillance studies.
• National workshops on the SEER-Medicare Linked Database help researchers share methodologies for using the database.
• The National Health Interview Survey Cancer Control Topical Module is used to evaluate national progress in achieving cancer objectives.

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Disseminating Advances

We work with many partners to move research advances into public health policy, healthcare systems, and clinical practice. For example:

• The annual Cancer Progress Report, first released in 2001, informs the public, policy makers, advocates, and health professionals of progress in the Nation's fight against cancer.
• The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, published in collaboration with several partners, provides an update on cancer rates and trends in the United States.

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