Cancer Registrar Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of advanced medicine and health care, the need for cancer registrars has never been more crucial.

With each leap in medical advancements, the demand for skilled individuals who can manage, interpret, and safeguard our cancer registry data grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly does a cancer registrar do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of cancer registry,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable cancer registrar job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Cancer Registrar Duties and Responsibilities

Cancer Registrars are professionals in health information management who are tasked with collecting, maintaining, and analyzing data on individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer.

This information is used for research, management, and planning purposes.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Compiling and recording data for each cancer patient from pathology reports, radiology reports, and other diagnostic reports
• Tracking patient information, cancer treatment results, survival, and recovery rates
• Abstracting and coding pertinent data from the patient’s medical record
• Ensuring all data is accurate, complete, and compliant with federal regulations and standards
• Updating cancer patient records and registries for lifetime follow-up
• Coordinating with health care providers and physicians to gather necessary data
• Performing lifetime follow-ups to track progress and any recurrence of cancer
• Preparing and presenting statistical reports for use by hospital staff and researchers
• Staying updated on the latest trends and developments in cancer treatment and diagnosis
• Maintaining patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines

 

Cancer Registrar Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a meticulous and dedicated Cancer Registrar to join our healthcare team.

As a Cancer Registrar, you will be responsible for collecting and maintaining data on cancer patients.

Your duties will include gathering, analyzing, and maintaining data in line with regulations, ensuring patient confidentiality, and submitting regular reports to healthcare providers and researchers.

The ideal candidate will have a firm understanding of medical terminology, solid analytical skills, and the ability to work accurately with detailed medical information.

 

Responsibilities

• Compiling and maintaining patient cancer information for research purposes.
• Ensuring all data is in line with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements.
• Extracting data for facility use, including audits and annual reports.
• Monitoring patient treatment and outcomes.
• Assisting medical researchers with patient information.
• Ensuring patient confidentiality at all times.
• Staying current with the latest oncology research.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Cancer Registrar or similar role in a healthcare setting.
• A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) certification is preferred.
• Excellent attention to detail and data entry skills.
• Strong understanding of medical terminology, especially oncology.
• Proficiency in electronic health record systems and database management.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong ethical standards and a high level of confidentiality.
• Understanding of health information laws and regulations.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Continuous professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cancer Registrar
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare setting. Remote work options may be available depending on the organization’s policy.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Records Supervisor or Health Information Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cancer Registrar Do?

A Cancer Registrar is a health care professional who manages clinical, epidemiological, and treatment information about cancer patients.

They collect, compile, and interpret cancer data to aid in research and treatment plans.

The information gathered is also essential in managing cancer control programs and monitoring the success of treatment protocols.

Their primary responsibilities include maintaining records of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for every patient.

They conduct lifelong follow-ups to track the patient’s health progress, contributing to the statistical data on cancer for research purposes.

They also classify and code this information for easy reference and use by healthcare professionals.

This is done using various cancer registry software and databases.

Additionally, they ensure the data collected is accurate, complete, and compliant with federal and state regulations.

Their role is key to cancer research as the data they collect helps medical professionals and researchers understand cancer patterns and ultimately aid in the development of new treatment methods and preventive measures.

 

Cancer Registrar Qualifications and Skills

A competent Cancer Registrar should possess the following skills and qualifications that align with the position:

• Health information technology skills to manage and maintain databases containing patient data and cancer information.
• Analytical skills to accurately interpret and record complex clinical information from medical records.
• Attention to detail to ensure the accurate and thorough collection and recording of cancer patient data.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology to understand and record detailed medical information.
• Communication skills to liaise effectively with other healthcare professionals and report findings.
• Proficiency in coding diagnoses, treatments, and procedures in patient records for retrieval and analysis.
• Strong understanding of cancer registry operations and practices, as well as familiarity with cancer staging and coding systems.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and work in adherence to health information management standards.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify discrepancies in medical records and cancer data.

 

Cancer Registrar Experience Requirements

Cancer Registrars usually start their careers with a relevant degree or certification in Health Information Management or a related field.

This gives them a solid theoretical understanding and an introduction to the practical elements of the role.

For entry-level positions, candidates may require up to 1-2 years of experience, possibly gained through internships, part-time roles, or even through related jobs in the healthcare industry.

They may also gain experience through roles such as Medical Records and Health Information Technician, where they can learn about medical coding, patient data management, and other related skills.

Candidates with 3-5 years of experience are often preferred for advanced Cancer Registrar roles.

They will have developed their skills in cancer data collection, quality control, and reporting, and will likely have a deep understanding of oncology procedures, cancer staging, and the use of cancer registry software.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience, along with a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) certification, may be ready for senior-level positions or leadership roles within the cancer registry.

These roles may involve overseeing data management, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and training new registrars.

 

Cancer Registrar Education and Training Requirements

Cancer Registrars typically have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in health information management, healthcare administration, or a related field.

These educational programs provide training in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, cancer data management, and other essential areas relevant to the role of a Cancer Registrar.

After obtaining a degree, prospective Cancer Registrars are encouraged to obtain the Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential, which is recognized as the standard of excellence in the field.

This certification requires successful completion of an examination administered by the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).

For this certification, the NCRA requires individuals to have completed a specified number of coursework hours in specific subject areas including human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, disease processes, cancer treatment, and cancer registry procedures.

It’s also beneficial for Cancer Registrars to have experience in the healthcare industry, preferably in a hospital or clinical setting, where they can gain practical knowledge about the healthcare system and the data management process.

Continuing education is critical for maintaining the CTR credential, and it also allows Cancer Registrars to stay updated on the latest advancements in cancer care and data management.

In addition, many employers prefer Cancer Registrars who have a strong understanding of medical coding and familiarity with health information systems and software.

 

Cancer Registrar Salary Expectations

A Cancer Registrar earns an average salary of $52,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, certifications, the complexity of the work, geographical location, and the employing organization.

 

Cancer Registrar Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Cancer Registrar need?

Cancer Registrars should have strong analytical and technical skills for managing and interpreting cancer patient data.

They should also have an understanding of medical terminology, pathology, and treatment methods.

Good attention to detail and proficiency in database management are also required.

In addition, excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for reporting findings to healthcare professionals.

 

Do Cancer Registrars need a degree?

Yes, Cancer Registrars usually need a degree in health information management or a related field.

Many professionals in this role also pursue a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential, which requires specialized education and passing an exam.

Continuous education is necessary to stay updated with changes in cancer treatment and reporting standards.

 

What should you look for in a Cancer Registrar resume?

In a Cancer Registrar’s resume, look for a degree in health information management or a related field, and a CTR certification.

Experience in medical coding and using cancer registry software can be strong indicators of the candidate’s ability to perform the job.

Also, pay attention to their experience in data analysis, reporting, and complying with health information privacy regulations.

 

What qualities make a good Cancer Registrar?

A good Cancer Registrar should be detail-oriented, as precise data collection and analysis are crucial in this role.

They should possess strong technical skills to manage databases and use registry software.

They must also have the ability to communicate effectively with medical professionals and have a thorough understanding of cancer types, treatment methods, and medical terminology.

Ethical conduct, especially regarding patient information privacy, is also an essential quality.

 

Is it difficult to hire Cancer Registrars?

Hiring a Cancer Registrar can be challenging due to the specific skills and qualifications required for the role.

The demand for these professionals is high, and there may be a limited number of qualified candidates.

Offering competitive salaries, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth can make the position more attractive to potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve brought to light the intricacies of being a cancer registrar.

Surprised?

It’s not just about data entry.

It’s about shaping the future of cancer research and patient care, one cancer case at a time.

Armed with our definitive cancer registrar job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to take your next step.

But don’t stop here.

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your tool to create meticulous job listings or refine your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every cancer case you record is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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