BISMARCK, N.D. - The North Dakota Department of Health’s Cancer Registry has received the Gold Standard Certification award from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR).

The NAACCR has established gold- and silver-standard criteria to recognize population-based cancer registries that achieve excellence in the following areas: completeness of information, data accuracy and timeliness of data submissions.

“I commend the Cancer Registry staff for their excellent service to the people of North Dakota,” said Governor John Hoeven. “Through the work of the Cancer Registry, North Dakota citizens are informed about the incidence of cancer in the state and can be assured that the data collected is complete and accurate.”

The North Dakota Cancer Registry (NDCR), which began cancer data collection in January 1997, supports cancer control by targeting, monitoring and evaluating programs that promote the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. As a statewide population-based registry, the NDCR provides the data for research related to cancer-control activities in the state.

The NDCR was one of 41 registries from the United States and Canada to receive the Gold Standard Certification.

“To receive the gold standard in only our second year of participation is a tribute to the facilities that submit their cancer data to the NDCR,” said Marlys Knell, Cancer Registry coordinator. “Without their cooperation, this award would not have been possible.”

For more information, contact Marlys Knell, North Dakota Department of Health, at 701.328.2333.