A primary goal of which organization is to monitor disease burden and plan cancer control programs?

The primary goal of the CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) is to monitor the burden of cancer and to help in the planning and implementation of effective cancer control programs. The NPCR collects and analyzes comprehensive cancer data from various states, which aids in understanding cancer trends, determining the effectiveness of prevention efforts, and ultimately guiding policy decisions related to cancer control. This organization plays a crucial role in public health by enabling healthcare providers and policymakers to identify areas of need and allocate resources effectively to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer.

In contrast, other organizations mentioned, such as NAACCR (North American Association of Central Cancer Registries), focus more on standardizing and improving cancer registry practices rather than directly monitoring disease burden for program planning. The American College of Surgeons (ACoS) primarily establishes standards for cancer programs and accreditation, which is more about quality assurance than disease burden monitoring. The National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) is dedicated to the professional development of cancer registrars, emphasizing certification and education within the field rather than overseeing disease burden or program planning. Thus, the role of the NPCR is more aligned with the monitoring and strategic planning objectives stated in the question.