Surveillance Research

The goal of the Surveillance Research program is to analyze and disseminate population-based information on cancer occurrence, its causes, prevention, and treatment, and thereby strengthen the scientific basis for cancer control nationally and globally. The primary mechanisms of communicating this information have been the Cancer Facts & Figures publications since 1952 and the Cancer Statistics articles in the CA-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians since 1970. In addition to its own independent research, the group also collaborates with other surveillance organizations nationally and internationally and provides scientific expertise to other components of the Society.

The specific objectives of the program are:

• to compile and disseminate current scientific information on cancer incidence, mortality, survival, treatment, early detection, risk factors, and prevention to the public, the media, cancer control advocates, Society staff and volunteers, and community leaders to speed the translation of existing knowledge into practice;
• to provide comprehensive cancer statistics and expertise to the Society’s leadership in order to help guide priority-setting for initiatives in cancer prevention, cancer control, and cancer advocacy;
• to monitor progress in cancer control and prevention, including the Society’s 2015 goals;
• to conduct original research on cancer occurrence and risk factors using publicly available surveillance data; and
• to contribute to the further advancement of surveillance research through publications, conference participation, and collaborations across institutions and disciplines.

The Surveillance Research Program is led by Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PhD, Vice President ahmedin.jemal@cancer.org