SEER Data Management System
Under contract with DCCPS's Surveillance Research Program (SRP), IMS developed and maintains the SEER Data Management System (SEER*DMS) to support all the core functions of a central cancer registry.
Since the NCI's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program began in 1973, geographic coverage has expanded to represent nearly 50% of the U.S. population. SEER registries are required to submit their data annually to NCI through SEER*DMS, representing nearly one million cancer cases per year.
We currently have legal agreements with additional registries to support the National Childhood Cancer Registry (NCCR) data in SEER*DMS, as well as with other federal agencies to perform linkages to enhance the SEER data.
IMS performs linkages of SEER data with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other federal data sources. This work entails signing confidentiality agreements with all parties so we can serve as an honest data broker between the organization and DCCPS. As an honest broker we assess linkage quality, clean the data, encrypt restricted variables, and create research databases for approved use by outside investigators.
We serve as the main point of contact for investigator requests to use the linked databases, tracking progress of applications and signatures on data use agreements, as well as preparation and shipping of final approved data cuts.
Match*Pro Linkage Software
In collaboration with DCCPS, we developed Match*Pro to conduct record linkages and assess the quality of the linkage data. The software can link data using PII or supports privacy-preserving record linkage (PPRL) techniques to protect sensitive data.
Statistical Analysis & Cancer Data Management
IMS performs analytic services for DCCPS using large national studies and public-use datasets that focus on cancer, health-related outcomes, dietary history, physical activity, and tobacco use, among others.
We create analytic files, conduct bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses, and summarize results in preparation for publication.