SEER and NAACCR data completeness methods: how do they impact data quality in Central Cancer Registries?

There are 2 widely accepted methods for calculating data completeness in central cancer registries: The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program's data completeness method and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries' (NAACCR's) data completeness method. In recent years, the pros and cons of these methods have been discussed and debated by CTRs nationwide. The results from a myriad of studies have shown that each method offers its own set of strengths and unique applications. The aims of this paper are to provide an overview of both the SEER and NAACCR data completeness methods and to discuss the need for an alternative data completeness method.