Definition

A program of the National Cancer Institute that uses information collected by cancer registries to report on the number of new cases of cancer diagnosed and the number of cancer deaths across different geographic areas in the United States. These cancer statistics are updated every year and provide information on cancer cases based on patient demographics (such as age, gender, race, and ethnic group), the primary tumor site, the form and structure of the tumor, the stage of cancer at diagnosis, the first course of treatment, and patient survival information. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program also works with other organizations involved in cancer surveillance activities and supports research studies on cancer prevention and control. Also called SEER Program.