Checking up on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program

The SEER 1 Program (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) of the National Cancer Institute has played a leading role in guiding public policy, stimulating research, and reflecting progress in cancer control in the United States. Begun in 1973, SEER collects and publishes cancer incidence and mortality data on more than 10% of the U.S. population. Currently, the SEER database contains more than 3 million cases of in situ and invasive cancer. In addition to demographic data, SEER collects variables such as histologic tumor type, estrogen receptor status in cases of breast cancer, and extent of disease, which are important clinical parameters. Population based, SEER reflects cancer as seen in urban areas, the suburbs, university settings, and isolated community hospitals. There is no patient selection. In short, SEER provides data about the neoplastic pathology of the general population of the United States, and it reflects the work of surgeons, oncologists, and pathologists.