Breast Cancer

This is an introduction to breast cancer data collection and cancer surveillance and should not be construed as a clinical practice guideline.

The main purpose of this module is to cover the foundational aspects of abstracting breast cancer cases. It includes information about anatomy, major histologic types, staging criteria and treatment. References to appropriate cancer registry manuals and websites, or professional websites (e.g., American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute’s Physician Data Query (PDQ), NCCN guidelines) are included throughout.

Review the appropriate linked manuals for complete coding instructions for the data items mentioned in this module.

This training can be used as a step toward comprehensive training for the Oncologist Data Specialist (ODS) credential. For more comprehensive training, see the following:

SEER*Educate
SEER Advanced Topics for Registry Professionals
NAACCR Training
NAACCR Annual Conference
National Cancer Registrars Association Education
NCRA Annual Conference
Cancer Staging Education (AJCC)
State Association Meetings

Updated: January 10, 2025

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