What is the name of the organization that began collecting cancer data in 1973?

The organization that began collecting cancer data in 1973 is the NCI SEER Program. The SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) Program is part of the National Cancer Institute and plays a critical role in understanding cancer trends in the United States. It collects and publishes data on cancer incidence, prevalence, survival, and mortality, which is vital for researchers, policymakers, and public health officials in developing strategies to improve cancer control and prevention.

The significance of the SEER Program's establishment in 1973 lies in its comprehensive approach to monitoring cancer statistics, which serves as a foundation for evidence-based practices in oncology. The data they provide helps to identify patterns and risk factors associated with various types of cancer, thus aiding in research and treatment development.

Other organizations mentioned have important roles in cancer data collection and public health, but they either started earlier or focus on different aspects of cancer treatment, prevention, or reporting. For instance, the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACoS CoC) is more focused on accreditation of cancer programs and quality of cancer care, while the CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries (CDC NPCR) and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR)