January 2001
Highlights for the month:
Guidelines for Implementation of SEER Summary Stage 2000
The NAACCR SEER Summary Stage 2000 Implementation Work Group has released its guidelines for implementing SEER Summary Stage 2000. The guidelines are available on both the COC and NAACCR Web sites. Questions regarding the material should be faxed to Lynn Ries, MS, NCI SEER Program, fax number (301) 496-9949; or to John Young, Jr., DrPH, CTR, Atlanta SEER Program, Emory University, fax number (404) 727-7261.
Highlights
Implementation of Standard 3.1.3: CAP Protocols
The CoC will phase in the required use of the macroscopic and microscopic elements of quality pathological assessment as per the CAP site-specific guideline protocols. Such information has been deemed essential by the CAP in order to provide patients and clinicians with appropriate data for staging, prognosis, and treatment. The implementation of a mechanism to ensure compliance with these quality standards should lead to a plan developed by each Approved Program in 2001, activation in 2002, and full compliance by January 1, 2003. The CoC has endorsed the concept of the CAP site-specific elements. It is up to each program to define a reporting methodology that meets the spirit of this standard in a useful and cost-effective manner.
For questions about Approvals changes or clarifications, please contact Asa Carter at acarter@facs.org or (312) 202-5180.
Highlights
CoC Seeks Feedback on Proposed Data Items
The CoC is in the process of revising "Standards of the Commission on Cancer Volume II: ROADS." The team working on the revision, expected to be available in 2003, has proposed changes to current data items, and would like your input on the possible changes. The CoC will post a series of questions on our Web page during the week of January 15. Please take a moment to review, respond, and fax your comments to our Inquiry and Response team at (312) 202-5009.
Highlights
Basic Cancer Registry Workshop: Space Still Available
There's still time to register for the CoC's Basic Cancer Registry Data Collection Workshop, March 5-9, 2001. Hotel rooms at the Wyndham Chicago are still available. Please note, however, that the special rate of $139 per night ends February 2. For more details and information, see our Web site at http://www.facs.org/dept/cancer/coc/basicworkshop.html.
Highlights
CoC-Approved Cancer Programs: A Benefit For You
Approved cancer programs are required to submit data to the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). The NCDB provides a useful benchmark for patient care and continuous quality improvement efforts of the individual cancer programs. These data evaluate therapies and their outcomes, which may assist physicians to better plan treatment strategies for cancer patients in their care. The NCDB also compares treatment and outcomes by site, as well as comparing an individual state's data with the national data.
Highlights
To Subscribe to CoC Flash
CoC Flash is e-mailed automatically each month to individuals for whom the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has an e-mail address. If you wish to continue to receive the newsletter on a monthly basis, you need do nothing. You can discontinue your subscription by writing to coc@facs.org and requesting that your name be deleted from the database. Individuals not currently receiving the newsletter may subscribe to the publication by sending an e-mail message to coc@facs.org and asking to be added to our electronic distribution database.
To Submit Information
CoC Flash will accept submissions received by the monthly deadlines stated below. However, the CoC reserves the right to decide whether or not the materials are appropriate for inclusion. Information for CoC Flash should be timely, news worthy, brief, and of use and interest to the constituents of the Commission, which include cancer registrars, liaison physicians, cancer committee chairs, and other cancer-oriented health care professionals. To submit material, send it to coc@facs.org.
The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to decreasing the morbidity and mortality caused by cancer through prevention, monitoring and reporting of care, standard-setting, and education. CoC Flash is a monthly news service for constituents of the CoC provided by the Commission and the Cancer Department of the American College of Surgeons.
CoC Flash
Commission on Cancer
