As Cancer Registrars this is the order in which we often think. That is, until the name becomes a person, like our brother, sister, mother, father, neighbor or friend. Then the abstract and each data field has a new meaning. When this happens it can feel a bit surprising and disconcerting because in our daily routine we are so intent on protecting patient identities it can be easy to forget the People.
Studies portray how well our doctors are managing tumors. We look at things like remission, stage, morphology, markers, and treatment modalities. Actually, we train ourselves not to pay much attention to the names of the People other than for case finding. Abstracting and follow up can become tasks that are tedious and repetitive, at times tiring.
During National Cancer Registry Week I would like you to remember one important thing; Everything, I mean everything you do matters! Believe it or not you are the movers and the shakers! You bring truth to those who would otherwise only guess. The light of the future in the Cancer War rests in your accurate fingertips. Who does your work most affect? The People!! The People who have to suffer through each step you carefully document. The People who are living and dying, captured in your records will make a difference in another persons life because of your work!
I salute you with all my heart because I understand you and your true value. Be proud, you are Cancer Registrars!
Very Happy National Cancer Registry Week to all of you, my friends.
Crystal Beeman, LPN, CTR
President Michigan Cancer Registrars Association
2006-2007