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The SEER Data Management System (SEER*DMS) is a cancer registry management system, designed to streamline the collection, management, and processing of cancer surveillance data. IMS develops and maintains SEER*DMS under contract to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
System Capabilities
The SEER*DMS platform supports the core operations of central cancer registries through integrated tools for casefinding, patient and tumor registration, data quality assurance, reporting, workflow management, and electronic data exchange.
Get StartedSEER*DMS is Launched
22+ registries use SEER*DMS
Launched in 2005, SEER*DMS was designed collaboratively by NCI, the SEER registries, and IMS. Its configurable architecture lets each registry meet its own operational requirements while improving efficiency and data quality, and it meets the data collection and quality control standards established by standards-setting organizations.
SEER*DMS is a flexible, standards-based platform that supports national cancer surveillance initiatives and the evolving needs of cancer registries. 22 central cancer registries use SEER*DMS as their primary registry management system. 8 additional registries use SEER*DMS specifically to support their National Childhood Cancer Registry (NCCR) processes. As a single, centrally designed system, SEER*DMS lowers costs, reduces duplicated maintenance, improves data quality and consistency, and helps registries share knowledge and experience.
SEER*DMS combines automated processing with expert manual review to support accurate identification of reportable cancer cases. The system streamlines casefinding activities through natural language processing (NLP), keyword-based processing, batch review tools, manual screening, death clearance procedures, and flexible data integration.
SEER*DMS also supports the creation and management of casefinding leads, helping registries identify, investigate, and track cases requiring follow-up. These capabilities improve case ascertainment, reduce manual effort, and support timely, complete cancer reporting.
The system can be configured to process data from multiple file formats and sources, including registry-specific formats and HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)-based data exchanges.
SEER*DMS uses natural language processing (NLP) to help registries efficiently process large volumes of pathology reports while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
Death Clearance is a process used by cancer registries to identify cancer cases that may not have been previously reported. SEER*DMS applies established algorithms based on the NAACCR Death Clearance Manual to compare death records with registry data, helping registries uncover potential missed cases, improve completeness, and strengthen case ascertainment.
SEER*DMS helps cancer registries efficiently manage cases requiring additional review by supporting the creation, assignment, and tracking of casefinding leads. Integrated tools help ensure potential cases are identified, investigated, and resolved in a timely manner.
SEER*DMS enables cancer registries to accurately identify, link, and consolidate patient and tumor records through advanced matching algorithms, configurable registry policies, and expert review workflows.
Designed to support both automation and quality control, SEER*DMS helps registries minimize duplicate records, improve data accuracy, and maintain a complete longitudinal view of each patient's cancer history.
SEER*DMS evaluates incoming records against existing patient information using a combination of deterministic, fuzzy, and probabilistic matching techniques. Registry-specific rules and configurable workflows allow organizations to tailor matching processes to their operational needs.
When a match cannot be confidently established, SEER*DMS automatically creates a manual review task for registry staff. If no existing patient is identified, the system creates a new Patient Set to store and consolidate patient information.
SEER*DMS uses a multi-layered approach to:
IMS integrated the Match*Pro algorithm library into SEER*DMS to enhance duplicate detection and apply the same matching logic used in the NAACCR Deduplication Protocol.
SEER*DMS applies established cancer registry rules and algorithms to determine whether incoming records should be linked to existing tumors.
The system incorporates the Solid Tumor Rules and Multiple Primary algorithms, maintained by IMS and implemented as a Java library, to evaluate whether a new record represents an existing tumor or a new primary.
Additional deterministic matching criteria further reduce manual review by identifying cases where similarly coded source records have previously been reviewed and determined to represent the same tumor.
SEER*DMS consolidates cancer reporting records from multiple facilities and sources into a single, comprehensive Patient Set while creating the most accurate best tumor record.
Automated consolidation algorithms identify matching records and combine compatible information to improve completeness and consistency.
Records with conflicting information, discrepancies, or failed validation edits are routed to data specialists for review and resolution.
Consolidation rules are developed through collaboration with registry managers and experienced SEER*DMS users, supporting consistent and accurate data management across registries.
SEER*DMS combines automated processing, multi-source integration, and validation tools to help registries maintain accurate, complete, and standardized treatment information.
Key treatment data management features include:
SEER*DMS incorporates robust data quality and quality control tools designed to validate, clean, and standardize cancer registry data. Key features include automated and visual editing engines, record consolidation, real-time geocoding, and automated regulatory reporting extracts.
Validates patient records against standard edit sets (from SEER, NPCR, and NAACCR) as well as custom rules defined by registry staff, auto-refreshing error lists dynamically upon data changes.
Uses tasks like Resolve Patient Set Errors (RPSE) to let data specialists visually compare coded data fields against supporting text and clear failing edits.
Automatically merges incoming multi-source records for a patient while flagging discrepancies for registrar review.
Connects via secure API to the Geocodio geocoding system to verify spatial coordinates and address data accuracy.
Generates integrated reports tracking data completeness, workflow efficiency, and quality control indicators.
SEER*DMS makes cancer registry reporting simple with a push-button process for generating consolidated tumor case (CTC) data extracts and submission files that meet the reporting requirements of NAACCR, NPCR, and the SEER Program.
IMS continuously monitors changes to annual reporting requirements and updates extract specifications and national edit sets as soon as standard setters release their annual Calls for Data. Before transmission, registry managers can review data quality metrics to verify that submission files are accurate, complete, and compliant with current standards.
By automating submission preparation and validation, SEER*DMS reduces manual effort, minimizes risk, and helps registries stay current with evolving reporting requirements.
Reporting requirements change every year. IMS keeps SEER*DMS current by monitoring updates to the NAACCR Call for Data, the SEER Program, and the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR). Annual extract specifications, validation edits, and submission requirements are incorporated into the system as they become available.
The SEER*DMS validation engine is configured to run all applicable edit sets maintained by national standard setters, while built-in NAACCR tumor-level and patient-level deduplication protocols help ensure high-quality, submission-ready data.
SEER*DMS includes preconfigured extracts for reporting to national standard setters, simplifying annual data submissions and reducing preparation time. The system also includes predefined extracts for standard data linkages, including the National Death Index (NDI) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
During implementation and migration from a legacy system, registry-specific submission extracts and reporting workflows are incorporated to support a smooth transition.
Registry managers have real-time visibility into submission status, data quality, and deduplication activities throughout the year. Built-in monitoring and validation tools help identify issues early, enabling timely resolution and greater confidence in every submission.
SEER*DMS workflows are configurable processes that support diverse registry requirements. Workflows begin with automated processing, automatically assign manual review tasks when needed, and advance records upon task completion. Registries can tailor workflow rules and automation levels to their needs.
SEER*DMS supports automated tumor linkage using SEER Solid Tumor Rules and facilitates auto-coding of data items through Natural Language Processing (NLP).
SEER*DMS includes predefined extracts and workflows to support standard data exchanges and linkages, including interstate data exchanges, the National Death Index (NDI), and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
SEER*DMS uses workflow-driven case management and real-time workflow monitoring to maximize efficiency and maintain data quality.
SEER*DMS workflows control the routing of source records through editing, screening, matching, and consolidation processes to create or update consolidated Patient Sets.
Registry managers can modify task assignments to address failing edits or other issues identified through operational dashboards which support monitoring of edits, data quality, and workload distribution.
SEER*DMS workflows incorporate natural language processing (NLP), keyword-based processing, batch review tools, manual screening, death clearance procedures, and flexible data integration capabilities.
SEER*DMS supports high-volume pathology processing through NLP-powered automated workflows, batch processing with robust management tools, and user-friendly manual review capabilities.
SEER*DMS supports standardized cancer data collection and coding requirements through:
Performance Management Tools
SEER*DMS provides registry managers with multiple ways to monitor and evaluate staff performance and workflow activity.
A variety of reports defined by registry managers to measure staff productivity and workload completion
Visual displays that show real-time workflow status and help managers track case progress and staff activity
Manual tasks that support registry-defined quality control projects, including targeted reviews
System Integration
Across the cancer registry industry, organizations are increasingly adopting advanced technology to handle growing data volumes and reporting requirements. SEER*DMS lets registries keep up with the pace as a web-first, centralized, single platform to standardize registry resources.
Get the ToolsTechnical Infrastructure & Support
IMS hosts a Squish project where registries communicate with one another, ask questions, get answers from IMS, and raise suggestions for review by the SEER*DMS Change Control Advisory Board.
Our infrastructure supports high volume data sources for state and national cancer surveillance programs - with the addition of the California SEER registry in 2025, SEER*DMS is used to maintain databases for all 24 SEER registries.
SEER*DMS is used by several states under contracts between the state governments and IMS. Our DHS-certified Section 508 Trusted Testers routinely verify that SEER*DMS meets state and federal accessibility standards. We provide a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) report based on WCAG 2.1 upon request.
Web & Application DevelopmentMigration Support
Transitioning registry operations to a new data management platform requires careful planning, technical expertise, and a structured implementation approach. Our team has successfully migrated more than 20 registries from diverse legacy systems to SEER*DMS, supporting organizations through every phase of deployment.
Contact UsWe provide end-to-end migration support, including project planning, data conversion, system configuration, validation, user training, and post-implementation optimization.
Our experienced team works closely with registry staff and stakeholders to minimize disruption, maintain data integrity, and ensure operational readiness.
With proven migration expertise and a collaborative implementation model, we help registries achieve a reliable transition to SEER*DMS while maintaining data quality, workflow continuity, and long-term operational success.
We have proudly supported biomedical research since our founding in 1973, with a continued focus on supporting cancer research efforts through our work for the National Cancer Institute, additional NIH institutes, and the CDC through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).
Data that is collected and processed by SEER cancer registries is available in tools we develop for the NCI, such as SEER*Stat and Joinpoint. This data is made available as part of the annual SEER data release. Our biomedical analysts and biostatisticians calculate statistics from this data to be made available in other SEER data products we maintain, including SEER*Explorer.
Statistical Analysis & Cancer Data ManagementGetting Started
Reach out to IMS to learn more about integrating SEER*DMS based on your registry requirements.
SEER*DMS is NCI-funded software, designed collaboratively by the National Cancer Institute, the SEER registries, and IMS, and developed and maintained by IMS under contract to NCI’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS).