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A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the National Program of Cancer Registries Program Evaluation and Technical Assistance
Sofia A Huster1, Paran Pordell, Melissa Alvarado
1Author Affiliations: Cancer Surveillance Branch, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Journal of Public Health Management and Practice : JPHMP
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Cancer registries face challenges in program evaluation due to limited resources and training. Improving technical assistance (TA) through targeted support and peer learning can enhance evaluation capacity and implementation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cancer Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides crucial funding and technical assistance (TA) to cancer registries nationwide.
- Effective program evaluation is essential for optimizing cancer registry operations and ensuring data quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify barriers and facilitators to program evaluation within NPCR-funded cancer registries.
- To assess registries' needs for TA concerning evaluation and implementation strategies.
- To evaluate user satisfaction with TA provided by the CDC.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis of 114 TA requests (June 2022-September 2023) and qualitative data from monthly check-in calls with 23 registries (October 2023-January 2024).
- Analysis included TA requests from 32 registries and interviews with 23 registries, covering 38 unique registries.
Main Results:
- Most TA requests focused on operations and reporting (69.3%), followed by data submission (15.8%).
- Barriers to evaluation included limited resources, insufficient training, and leadership changes; facilitators included adequate staffing, funding, and strong partnerships.
- Registries reported satisfaction with TA timeliness and quality, but identified needs for organizational support, expertise, guidance, training, and peer learning.
Conclusions:
- Cancer registry program evaluation capacity is influenced by resource availability, training, partnerships, and operational factors.
- Opportunities exist to enhance TA by providing targeted training, clearer guidance, and fostering peer learning to support consistent program implementation.
- Strengthening evaluation capacity is key to improving public health program outcomes across multisite initiatives.
