To which organization do U.S. central registries voluntarily report?

Central registries in the United States report voluntarily to the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). NAACCR serves as an important professional organization that promotes the establishment and maintenance of cancer registries, data collection, and reporting. It plays a critical role in improving cancer surveillance and research by standardizing the methodologies used in data collection, facilitating training and education, and ensuring quality control of cancer data.

By reporting to NAACCR, central registries can contribute to comprehensive cancer statistics, which are essential for public health initiatives, research projects, and resource allocation aimed at preventing and controlling cancer at the national and regional levels. This collaboration allows for the aggregation of cancer data across various jurisdictions, providing invaluable insights into cancer trends and outcomes.

Other organizations mentioned, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Cancer Society, and National Cancer Institute, play significant roles in public health, cancer research, and awareness, but they do not serve as the primary reporting entity for central cancer registries in the U.S. Understanding the specific role of NAACCR clarifies why it is the correct choice for reporting by these registries.