GATRA Connection
The Newsletter of the Georgia Tumor Registrars Association Summer 2005
Things I Learned in Louisiana 7. They named the following session ...and other thoughts especially for me - ‘Survival Data Analysis for the Biostatistically Impaired’. We took a Anita Weeks, CTR look at calculating survival data and how to present the information. While maybe not As the recipient of last year’s GATRA as enjoyable to some as others, if presented scholarship to the National Cancer in the right manner, it can make the largest Registrar’s Association annual Educational impact as far as showing what all of the fuss Conference, it was requested that I write an is about over what goes on in the cancer article on the session that I enjoyed the registry and database. most while in New Orleans. Well, it’s just 6. Of special interest to me was the not possible...to pick one favorite session, session on hereditary breast cancer and who that is. I was absolutely amazed at the might be "wearing the right genes”, along selection of topics and qualifications and with advancement in testing and preventive experience of the speakers. measures. 5. Did you know that CoC surveyors are You know where I come from - a registrar in tested and graded (so to speak) out in the a smaller hospital - and I wonder from time field? And that there are profiles of each to time if there’s a bigger world out there surveyor on the website with their that realizes the purpose and extent of what background information? While it may not Tumor Registrars do. This trip was such a clue you in to their favorite breakfast food, if rewarding “adventure”, and all I can do is to might give you an idea as to the areas in recap some of the highlights (in my opinion) which they might be the most interested. for those of you not in attendance. Here are (continued on page 12) my Top 10 Things Discussed at the Annual NCRA Conference: Inside this Issue Things I Learned in Louisiana ...... 1 10. Results of past CoC special studies 2005 GATRA Executive Board including rectal cancer, breast cancer with Contact Information ...... 2 breast-conserving surgery, and prostate How Did YOU Celebrate National Cancer cancer. 2005 studies will include Registrars Week? ...... 3 glioblastoma multiforme and GATRA Bylaws Review ...... 3 nasopharyngeal. Also to come will be lung, Abstracting Thyroid Carcinoma Tumors...... 3 esophageal, and other studies on breast. Is There a CTR Exam in Your Future?...... 5 (Can you tell that I don’t get out much?) Ways and Means Update ...... 6 9. In your efforts to make your data as The Inquiring Mind ...... 7 clean as possible, don’t forget the Humor Corner...... 9 importance of the various edit programs GATRA State Raffle Basket a Big Hit at that are both helpful and user-friendly. NCRA!...... 9 8. Choosing, implementing and Encourage Oprah to Spotlight the Cancer presenting results of Patient Care Registry Profession ...... 13 Evaluation studies. GATRA News Notes ...... 13
GATRA Connection Summer 2005
2005 GATRA Executive Board
Officers: Name: E-Mail Address: Telephone: President Debbie Chambers [email protected] 478-633-1902 Vice President Anna Muza [email protected] 706-774-8093 President-Elect Betty Gentry [email protected] 478-751-6238 Secretary Anita Weeks [email protected] 912-287-2682 Treasurer Debra Fortier [email protected] 678-442-4194 Treasurer-Elect Patricia Fordham [email protected] 478-633-2353 Immediate Past President Penny Goodell [email protected] 770-443-9660
Committee Chairs: Education Debbie Chambers [email protected] 478-633-1902 Membership Joy Thompson [email protected] 706-675-9270 Public Relations John Cummings [email protected] 678-442-4471 Ways & Means Patricia Fordham [email protected] 478-633-2353 Historian Lori Lindsey [email protected] 706-646-4182 Nominations Jeanie Ray [email protected] 478-633-1226 Elections Jeanie Ray [email protected] 478-633-1226 By-Laws Diane Stapleton [email protected] 770-793-7491 Audit Vacant
Liaisons: NCRA Liaison Cheryl Wheeler [email protected] 706-774-8094 GCCR Liaison Betty Gentry [email protected] 478-751-6238 Cancer Control Liaison Carol Crosby [email protected] 229-430-6388
Ad Hoc: GATRA Web site Dolores McCord [email protected] 404-605-3488
Want to help make GATRA an even better organization? Have an idea for an improvement? GET INVOLVED! Volunteers are always welcome to help with the work of the committees listed above - please contact any of the officers or committee chairs listed above for more information.
GATRA Connection Summer 2005
Editor: John Cummings, Public Relations Chair ([email protected] / 678-442-4471), Assistant Editors: Daryl Sirard ([email protected] ) & LeRue Schultz ([email protected])
GATRA Connection is the official newsletter of the Georgia Tumor Registrars Association, and is published three times per year (Spring, Summer, and Fall/Winter). Opinions expressed are those of the authors, and are not necessarily those of the Georgia Tumor Registrars Association or the editors of GATRA Connection. Reproduction in whole or in part without the prior consent of the editor is prohibited.
GATRA Connection welcomes submissions of articles for publication. All submitted articles are subject to editorial review for appropriateness, format, length, etc. Please send all articles, as well as other correspondence, inquiries, corrections, etc., to the attention of John Cummings, Oncology Data Center, Gwinnett Health System, 1000 Medical Center Blvd., Lawrenceville GA 30045, or to [email protected].
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How Did YOU Celebrate National than September 15, 2005 for consideration Cancer Registrars Week? at this year's annual business meeting, to be held at the Fall Education Conference in Debbie Chambers, CTR - Macon in November. I look forward to your GATRA President responses, and thank you for taking time to be active in your professional association. April 4 - 8, 2005 was National Cancer Registrars Week. I hope each one of you * * * * * * * * * * * * celebrated this event. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed our proclamation on March 10, and I had the honor and pleasure of taking part in the signing ceremony. He was extremely nice, and thanked us for all of the hard work we do every day. We had a busy week here at Medical Center of Central Georgia. Our office made a tri-fold board with pictures of the cancer registrars, the proclamation and descriptions of the varied duties we perform, and we placed the board on the lunch table at that week's Tumor Conference. There was also a big sheet cake with the words "Cancer Registrar's Week" (which the doctors just loved!). Each day of the week our non-registry hospital co- workers gave us a "special gift" to celebrate - a plant, cookies, candles, a picture frame and ice cream. We were really spoiled, but it was really nice for everyone to remember us and the work we do every day. Hope everyone else had a great week!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
GATRA Bylaws - Call for Review
Diane Stapleton, CTR Chair, GATRA Bylaws Committee
Attention all members! The association bylaws are always available for review by Abstracting Thyroid Carcinoma you at the GATRA web site - Tumors http://gatraweb.org , in the members section. Since this is your organization, Jack Cunningham, CTR please take the time to become familiar with Oncology Data Specialist, the bylaws, which govern GATRA's Georgia Center for Cancer Statistics activities. I would also ask that you review these bylaws to suggest updates, changes or CAPSULE (CAPSULAR) EXTENSION new amendments for consideration by the Bylaws Committee, and the membership at Upon returning from the SEER Workshop large. Please submit all proposed in New Orleans, I reviewed all 2002 and amendments/ changes to 2003 thyroid cases with EOD-Extension [email protected] by no later
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GATRA Connection Summer 2005
Abstracting Thyroid Carcinoma miscoded and using text given in the Tumors abstracts was recoded to either extension 10 (continued from previous page) or 20. There were 84 such cases with 2003 diagnosis dates and 45 were miscoded. coded to 40 or 50 (invasion of or through Examples of the types of cases I found are: the thyroid capsule) that were in the GCCS/GCCR database. Invasion of the Tumor Capsule
This review was initiated by information PATH: Right thyroid lobe: Papillary provided by Dr. Charles Platz, a pathologist thyroid carcinoma with follicular and solid from the University of Iowa, concerning the features, encapsulated with invasion to thyroid capsule. Dr. Platz is one of the tumor capsule, surgical margins negative. medical advisors for the SEER Program and (Correct EOD Ext = 10) has been for many years. A synopsis of his discussion of thyroid is as follows: PATH: 1.0 cm papillary carcinoma, follicular variant. The malignant elements Typically follicular tumors are encapsulated, are focally noted to extend beyond the while papillary and medullary carcinomas capsule into the immediate surrounding may be encapsulated, but most often are non-neoplastic thyroid parenchyma. not, or are only partially so. Encapsulated (Correct EOD Ext =10) tumors present a problem in separation of adenoma from carcinoma - in this Invasion of the Thyroid Capsule situation it is the penetration of the capsule of the tumor, (which appears to form as a PATH: Thyroid with papillary carcinoma, reaction of the host tissue to the tumor), trabecular variant, invasive plus vascular invasion, that is important in making the separation. In fact, a thick of thyroid capsule. Margins free. Right lobe capsule is often an indicator of suspicion for with encapsulated papillary carcinoma. these usually well-differentiated (Correct EOD Ext = 40) carcinomas. The capsule of the thyroid itself is much less distinct, and is usually PATH: Total thyroidectomy with papillary quite thin bu t only causes a problem when carcinoma, multifocal. Transgression of the tumor capsule merges with the thyroid thyroid capsule. (Correct EOD Ext = 40) capsule, which can certainly occur with larger neoplasms. MORPHOLOGY (HISTOLOGY)
The biggest dilemma occurs when the While doing this review, I also discovered pathologist says "invades the capsule" and it that papillary carcinoma of the thyroid is isn't clear which capsule. One should think listed in ICD-O-3 as a synonym of 8260 in terms of thyroid capsule only if there is (papillary adenocarcinoma). This was not something specific stated, such as, "the the case in previous Editions. DO NOT use tumor invades the thyroid capsule," or ICD-O-3 code 8050/3 (papillary carcinoma) "invades through the capsule into the for thyroid cases. adjacent soft tissue," or fat, or trachea. * * * * * * * * * * * * Bottom line: capsule NOS means tumor capsule rather than thyroid gland capsule.
There were 113 cases with 2002 diagnosis dates coded extension 40 or 50. Based upon Dr. Platz’s presentation, 52 of these were
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Is There a CTR Exam in Your registrar, I probably knew enough to pass Future? the exam. That may be true, but only partly - for example, a section of the exam LeRue Schultz and John Cummings are involves being given the details of a couple among the GATRA members who recently of cases and then being asked abstracting sat for and passed the Certified Tumor questions about them. Of course, the best Registrar exam - LeRue in September 2004 way to become a good abstractor is to do it and John this past March. At the GCCR on the job, day after day, site after site - but meeting in April they were talking with I'm glad I didn't use those peoples' remarks each other about their experiences as a reason not to study. If I hadn't actively preparing for and taking CTR exam, and studied, starting a good four or five months they decided to share those thoughts in the before the exam, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't article that follows, in the hope that GATRA have passed. Actually, the people who made members who plan to take the exam in the those remarks to me were in fields other future might benefit. than the tumor registry, and they had never taken the CTR exam!" Taking the CTR exam is the most important step a tumor registrar can take to He continued, "A lot of my preparation demonstrate his or her competence in our involved attending two of GATRA's CTR profession, and LeRue and John agreed that Exam Workshops in Macon (Editor's note: success on the exam requires preparation. see "GATRA News Notes" in this issue for "First of all, be sure to go to NCRA's CTR more information on the next workshop) Exam web site (http://www.ctrexam.org , or and then re-reviewing the materials I was follow the link at http://www.ncra-usa.org) given there. I also purchased a set of CTR to download the candidate's handbook," exam preparation materials produced by the said John. "Besides the application, it Northern California Cancer Registrars contains eligibility information, and also the Association - I especially found the practice content areas for which there are questions tests in both the GATRA Workshop on the exam - there's no point studying materials and the NCCRA materials very topics that you won't be tested on." helpful. And I spent a good bit of time studying 'primary sources' - the first section LeRue then talked about what helped her of FORDS, the coding rules in ICD-O-3, the most in studying and preparing for the ACoS Cancer Program Standards 2004 exam. "I think that some my most Manual, etc." productive study time was spent reading though the 'green books' - the SEER As far as the exam itself is concerned, the Program Self Instructional Manual for questions are all multiple choice but beyond Cancer Registrars books, " she said. that, the format may be a bit different from "Working on the quizzes and exercises went what many people are used to. Previously it a long way toward getting me prepared. It was administered as the familiar paper was a lot of work, but I felt it was time well standardized test - answers were "bubbled" spent." The green-covered workbooks in with a number-2 pencil. It is now a themselves are actually no longer being computer-based exam, and LeRue was printed, but the content can be downloaded among the first group in September 2004 in PDF format from SEER's website, or you who took the CTR exam in that format. She can order a CD-ROM that has the same says she has heard of people who have content - for either, go to experienced computer exam "glitches", and http://seer.cancer.gov/training/manuals. she actually experienced one herself: "In the middle of the exam, I came to a question In that same vein, John commented that "I which appeared on the screen in a much heard once or twice that, in effect, if I knew larger type size than any of the other how to do my day-to-day job as a tumor
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Is There a CTR Exam in Your Future? with a good attitude, and everything else (continued from previous page) will take care of itself. Good luck! questions, and as a result, I wasn't able to * * * * * * * * * * * * read part of the question because it was "cut off", below the bottom of the screen. I Ways and Means Update naturally started to feel a little anxious, but I took a deep breath, got up from the Patricia Fordham, CTR computer and went to get the test proctor. I GATRA Ways and Means Chair showed him what was happening - he said he understood the problem, and while he Planning for the GATRA Fall Education couldn't assure me that if I answered the Conference in Macon has begun, and that question incorrectly it wouldn't count includes a need for raffle items! I would like against me, he did say that he would be to ask all members to be thinking about willing to confirm the details of the problem items that can be donated to GATRA - if it became necessary. Fortunately, it handmade crafts or clothing, goods or apparently wasn't, because six weeks later I services that local businesses would be received notice that I had passed the exam!" willing to donate (in exchange for publicity John had no such problems when he took at the meeting) - please use your the exam six months later. So the take- imagination and help think of great items home lesson from LeRue's experience is that that GATRA members (and non-members) what happened to her is likely the exception would love to buy raffle tickets for. The rather than the rule, but just in case, be raffle during the Fall Conference is the prepared to document the details of any primary means by which GATRA raises the similar glitch if it should happen to you. money it needs to fund its activities - help us make it another successful year! Some final thoughts: John and LeRue both agreed that the length of the exam (4 1/2 And speaking of which, Dolores McCord in hours) and the challenging questions made Atlanta has gotten us started in the right it a tiring experience, mentally and direction by arranging for the donation (by physically. The standard pre-test advice Past GATRA President and Honorary applies - keep to your normal routine the GATRA member Joan Kibbe) of a beautiful day or two before the exam as far as diet and handmade children's sweater! Take a look: schedule are concerned, and get a good night's sleep the night before. Again, as they both stated, it's never too early to start studying. And last but not least, they encouraged test takers to give themselves a pat on the back for a great effort when they've finished the exam, and don't sweat the results! It will be four to six weeks before you hear from the testing service - worrying or second-guessing yourself during that time won't accomplish anything useful. If you don't pass the first time you take it, it's certainly not the worst thing that can happen. In fact, the experience will improve your prepara tion and confidence when you take it the second time. Do the best you can to be prepared, approach it
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Ways and Means Update ready to print and 3-hole punch into your (continued from previous page) books?
Other ideas? Please contact me at Medical Well, the Mind is just ‘boggled’, so an e-mail Center of Central Georgia in Macon at 478- was sent to the ever-ready American College 633-2353, or e-mail me at of Surgeons / Commission on Cancer [email protected] . Inquiry and Response System (I & R) people after the above-mentioned meeting with a * * * * * * * * * * * * request for permission to use some of their material for this column. Yes, the Mind has their blessing with the understanding that I & R gets the credit (the Mind always gives credit where credit is due). The I & R web site is located at http://web.facs.org/coc/default.htm . Thank you I & R.
The Mind had been doing a search for some treatment drug and while reading what was on the web site found some hopefully interesting tidbits. While we are (im)patiently waiting for the SEER Book 8 update, internet access or otherwise, the I & R does have some information on such information. And away we go… ------15237 6/1/2005 FORDS Question #14756 regarding Targretin (Bexarotene) as chemotherapy, when did this change from immunotherapy as stated from SEER in June 2003? Do we change cases coded immuno to chemo? Response: When the SEER*Rx database is released, it will be effective for 2005 diagnoses. We will not be asking registrars to go back and recode older cases since the names of the drugs administered may not be The Inquiring Mind available to them on the abstracts. Curator ------
15383 6/1/2005 Daryl Sirard, RHIT, CTR FORDS
Is Zoledronate coded as therapy in the For those of us who were able to attend the treatment of bone mets for prostate cancer? recent GCCS meeting the end of April 2005 Response: Zoledronate reduces bone pain we were informed about more (new, for people who have cancer that has spread additional) changes coming our way. Some to the bone. Code as palliative. of it is actually here - now. Have you recently checked the web site http://www.cancerstaging.org/cstage/manu als for the C/S Version 01.02.00 updates
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The Inquiring Mind updated and all drug questions in I&R and (continued from previous page) the SEER SINQ will be reviewed. Curator ------14756 3/31/2005 15261 5/24/2005 SEER SEER Is treatment with Targretin for cutaneous T- How is Casodex coded for the treatment of cell lymphoma coded and if so, what is it be prostate cancer? coded under? Response: Casodex (bicalutamide) is an Response: Yes, Targretin would be coded. oral non-steroidal anti-androgen for ONTAK (denileukin diftitox) is a new prostate cancer. It is the world's leading targeted therapy called a "fusion protein." anti-androgen and is available in all major The drug combines diphtheria toxin with European markets, the USA and Japan. Interleukin 2. The IL-2 is the delivery agent, Casodex was first launched in 1995 as a the diphtheria toxin actually kills the cells. combination treatment (with surgical or Cell killing, the definition of cytotoxic and medical castration) for advanced prostate cytotoxic agents, are now coded as cancer and subsequently launched as chemotherapy. Targretin (Bexarotene) is a monotherapy for the treatment of earlier retinoid that activates certain cell receptors stages of the disease. This is recorded as that control various cellular functions. hormone treatment. Targretin interferes with cell growth and ------such drugs are now coded as chemotherapy. 15048 5/5/2005 Curator FORDS ------If a patient had liver chemo-embolization The Mind wanted to obtain a more helpful for liver cancer, is it coded to surgery and explanation of the use of CS Code 000 vs. chemotherapy? If the procedure was Code 999. It was felt by the Mind that no percutaneous and the approach was by more qualified individual could be found to ultrasound guidance which is not an option provide that explanation than John Young, in the drop down box under surgery, do we PhD from GCCS - many thanks for your use endoscopy, image guided? willingness to help, Dr. Young! His Response: Embolization involving infusion thoughts: of chemotherapeutic agents would be coded as chemotherapy. Collaborative Stage Version 1.02 and Site ------Specific Factors: 14811 4/7/2005 FORDS The recently released revised pages for When a patient receives FOLFOX chemo, Collaborative Stage Version 1.02 contain how is the Avastin, a monoclonal antibody, many updates and clarification for coded? situations which were previously unclear. Response: Avastin is a monoclonal For example, what does one do when there antibody that inhibits vascular endothelial are conflicting values of Gleason's score growth factor (VEGF). For the time being, from differing pathology reports. (See Note code this drug as Other Therapy 2. SEER is 2 on revised page 526.) in discussions with the National Cancer Institute to determine the mechanism of Unfortunately, one thing that did not this growth factor inhibitor and many change is the coding of laboratory results others. In the near future, a decision will be such as ER and PR when no results are made whether these cytostatic (growth mentioned in the chart. Logic would dictate slowing) drugs should be coded with that under such circumstances the correct cytotoxic (cell killing) drugs or with code would be 000 (test not done). biological response modifiers. Once this However, instructions from the decision is made, SEER Book 8 will be
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The Inquiring Mind driver says, "I thought I told you to take (continued from previous page) them to the zoo." The guy says, "I did. And with the money that's left over, I'm taking Collaborative Stage Work Group remain the them to the movies." (Groan.) same. Unless there is specific mention in ------the chart that the test was considered and a Heard a good one lately? Pass it along to decision was made not to conduct the test, [email protected] - if the Editor then the correct code when the test is not laughs so hard he can't catch his breath, mentioned is code 999 (not documented in we'll put it in a future issue! the chart). * * * * * * * * * * * * While this may seem counterintuitive, it does allow those analyzing the data to GATRA State Raffle Basket a Big distinguish between cases in which a Hit at NCRA! decision was made not to conduct the test vs. those in which there was no specific Joy Thompson, CTR decision documented. At the January 2005 Executive Board * * * * * * * * * * * * meeting in Macon, it was decided that GATRA would contribute a basket of items Humor Corner (or, Who Says Tumor for the state basket raffle at NCRA. Our Registrars Aren't a Little Funny?) incentive this year was sweetened by the fact that NCRA would be returning 50% of Not a Gambler... the profits earned to the states who contributed baskets. A man, his wife and mother-in-law went on vacation to the Holy Land. While they were In a moment of weakness (or temporary there the mother-in-law passed away. The insanity), I agreed to coordinate our efforts undertaker told them, "You can have her of gathering contributions and putting shipped home for $5,000 or you can bury together the basket to raffle off at NCRA. her here in the Holy Land for $150." The After volunteering, I began to wonder what I man thought about it for a while and told had gotten myself into. Would we be able to the undertaker he would just have her get enough contributions to make the basket shipped home. The undertaker asked, worth bidding on? Would there be enough "Why? Why would you spend $5,000 to variety of items in the basket to make it ship your mother-in-law home, when it appealing and interesting to folks from would be wonderful to be buried here and outside the state of Georgia? Would the spend only $150?" The man said, "A man items truly represent the great diversity and died here 2000 years ago; he was buried talents of the GATRA membership as well as here and three days later he rose from the the residents of our great state? dead. I just can't take that chance." ------Of course, I should have never worried A zoo employee is driving a truckload of about any of that because I was dealing with penguins to the zoo. The truck breaks members of GATRA! My past experience down. A motorist pulls over to help him. with our membership has been that we are The truck driver doesn't want the penguins always generous with our time, our talents to die in the heat, so he hands the motorist and our money (when necessary) and this $50 and says, "Take these penguins to the experience has proven no different. zoo." The guy herds them into his car and takes off. Later in the day the truck driver I began receiving contributions from sees the man walking downtown with all the members after the very first email that I penguins trailing behind him. The truck
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GATRA State Raffle Basket (continued from previous page) Every time I found myself in the state basket display area - there were at least 2 or three sent asking for donations. The items were people gathered around our basket, reading as diverse as homemade jams and hand knit the list of contents and commenting that hats to a brand new DVD player. There they were going to bid on THAT one! The literally was something for everyone in our lucky winner was Linda Harris from Tulane basket when all the contributions had been Medical Center in New Orleans and she was received. In fact, there were so many items THRILLED to have won! She told me she contributed that we outgrew the idea of a couldn’t wait to get home so she could tear “basket” and ended up using a washtub in into the basket and get at her goodies! I also order to hold all the items! The final need to give a personal thanks to my co- product was stunning and the attached worker, Jill Zeswitz, who lives in New pictures definitely do not do it justice. We Orleans. Jill was kind enough to not only let had 54 different items contributed by 20 me have the items shipped to her house, but different GATRA members from areas all she also purchased the washtub for us AND over our great state. A list of the items that put the basket together and had it ready to were contributed accompanied the basket so go for me when I arrived on Sunday. I think that the bidders would know what a great Jill did a fabulous job on the basket as you collection of items they would be winning! can see from the pictures. The final product weighed over FIFTY pounds. It took TWO bell boys to help the I also want to personally thank EVERYONE winner load it in her car! Here are the who contributed an item for the basket. We pictures: truly are blessed to have some of the most generous and talented people that I have ever met as members of GATRA. If you didn’t get an opportunity to contribute an item this year … don’t worry! I’m sure you’ll get a chance next year! So a final thanks to everyone who helped … you certainly made my job as coordinator a piece of cake! (which was about the only item that WASN’T in our basket!)
* * * * * * * * * * * *
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Things I Learned in Louisiana Whew! And those are just highlights from (continued from page 1) the sessions that I attended. So many other things were also addressed in different 4. An interesting session on AJCC TNM sessions. There was a Collaborative Staging Staging discussed highlights of the most overview discussing lessons already learned recent changes made to the Standards and with specific breakout sessions and some helpful changes being considered for exercises in staging breast, prostate, head & class of case. Also discussed was the neck, ovary, colon and melanoma. Other planned implementation of staging sessions included quality improvement, E- accuracy, and (catch your breath) it was reporting, in-house training programs, revealed that the 7th edition (count them, 7) Remission/Life after cancer, and a speaker of AJCC TNM will be out in 2009 with on head and neck cancer, just to name a implementation in 2010. few. 3. We took a look at the weighting and outline of the current CTR exam with a peek In addition, I was overwhelmed by the at the revised exam outline to be effective in overall attendance, the obvious networking, 2007. and all of the other fun activities offered. I 2. The study of the cancer registry also got a very good look at the CoC staff; it workforce revealed that, based on those was reinforced time and again how helpful interviewed/responding, overall job they want to be as well as offering a satisfaction and career commitment was beneficial program to everyone, those very high. Not surprising was the fact that already in approved programs as well as 93% of the workforce is female. What was those striving to be approved. Working in surprising (to me, at least) was the fact that one of those hospitals that are striving for the average age of the cancer registrar is 48. an approved program, I sometimes feel very Where’s our backup? apprehensive about what we’re doing and 1. Of all the sessions I attended, one of how it will be reviewed. Some of my fears my most favorite dealt with how to evaluate allayed after attending this conference - I staffing needs. The current rule of thumb was left with the distinct impression that the seems to be that the amount of staff you CoC doesn’t want to make my job (or yours) need is determined by the number of any more difficult - rather, they want our abstracts that can be done in an hour. Now programs to be as topnotch as it can be, and we all know it’s not that simple, but the they are willing to help us get there! challenge is how to explain that to administration in a way that will prevent We also were told over and over that none of that overall body-freeze when you’re asked the studies, com parisons or analysis reports to explain "why you need Gretchen as a would be possible without our daily part-time employee". Do you realize that collection of data - we as individual less than half our time is spent actually on registrars and registries are a very integral abstracting? And that it’s a proven fact that part of a much bigger picture. the average white collar worker wastes approx. 50% of their time - and we’re not All of this put together in the city of New talking only about coffee breaks but more Orleans (did I mention food or places to about procedural tasks. Some helpful data visit?) made for an amazing experience for collection tools were presented that I plan to this registrar. My many thanks to GATRA implement in my registry as soon as I find for this wonderful opportunity and to all of the time to complete them :). There was my fellow Georgians that kept an eye out for also a session on calculating staffing needs this first-timer in the Big City. and the reinforcement that the needs of each registry are unique. One last thing. As we head toward D.C. next year, I would strongly encourage all of you
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Things I Learned in Louisiana our efforts known to an incredibly wide (continued from previous page) audience of the lay public. If you would like to participate, follow the directions above, to make plans to attend the annual NCRA or for more information, contact Joy at conference. GATRA will offer another essay [email protected]. contest this year to sponsor a member’s attendance (Editor's note: see "GATRA GATRA News Notes News Notes" in this issue for more information on the next essay contest, for a Ø HELP WANTED: Northside Hospital is chance to win a paid trip to NCRA in 2006!) looking for a full-time abstractor to join Just do as I did - throw a few words together the registry team. If you are a CTR who and see where it takes you. Opportunity enjoys challenging cases, working in a abounds if you just open the door when it dynamic team atmosphere, and wants to knocks! be a part of a growing regional cancer program, apply on-line at * * * * * * * * * * * * http://www.northside.com or contact Mildred Jones at (404) 851-8873 for Encourage Oprah to Spotlight the more information. Two years Cancer Registry Profession abstracting experience preferred and Impath knowledge is a plus. GATRA member Joy Thompson shares the following: "One of my coworkers is a Ø GATRA IS HOSTING a CTR Exam member of the Chicago Area Cancer Review Workshop, August 19-20, 2005, Registrars Association. A goal of CACRA at the Medical Center of Central Georgia this year is to increase awareness about the in Macon. Details regarding times and cancer registry profession. (I received a cost will be available soon. For more copy of an e-mail) that was sent out to information, contact Debbie Chambers, CACRA members encouraging them to CTR, at telephone 478-633-1902, or via contact the Oprah Winfrey show via their e-mail at [email protected] . (i.e., Oprah's) website and support the idea of a show about cancer registrars." Joy also Ø CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: reported that an announcement was made Nominations Committee Chair Jeanie at the NCRA meeting in April to encourage Ray is asking GATRA members to support of this project among non-CACRA submit nominations to her for GATRA's members. A portion of the copy of the e- elected officers: President, Vice mail Joy received states: "Please help by President, Secretary and Treasurer. logging onto: Oprah.com, then click: The Please forward names of members who Oprah Winfrey Show / Be on the Show you believe will be effective leaders for (under Inside the Show) / We want your our organization, by no later than July 1, show ideas! (under Regular Features). 2005, to her at telephone 478-633-1226 Complete the personal information & enter (Medical Center of Central Georgia in your support for this idea; share you Cancer Macon), or e-mail her at registry story; add ideas for the show. You [email protected]. She can also give have 2000 characters in which to get the you details as to eligibility requirements message across! The more email sent - the for each position. better our chances of shedding light on our profession." Ø THE CERTIFIED TUMOR Registrar exam was offered in March of this year, As we all know, raising awareness of the and a big "way to go" is in order for importance of cancer registrars in the fight three Georgia tumor registrars who sat against cancer benefits the entire for and passed the exam! Crysty Cornett profession. This is an opportunity to make of Rome, GA, Lynn M. Faulkner of Fort
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GATRA Connection Summer 2005
Gordon, GA, and John Cummings of Coordinator. Lawrenceville, GA, all GATRA members, are Georgia's newest CTRs - And finally, the Education Committee is congratulations! looking for items to be placed in the attendee goody bags for the Fall Ø GATRA'S NCRA Scholarship reminder - Meeting. If your facility would like to the winner of the essay competition donate items please let me know - we receives an expenses-paid trip to the will need about 150 of each item 2006 NCRA Annual Conference! The donated. E-mail me at topic: "Coping Strategies for Change". [email protected] , or Suggested ideas for your essay: FORDS, telephone me at 478-633-2353. Collaborative Staging, Central Registry, CoC Program Standards, Future Ø AND AS ALWAYS, LAST BUT not least, Changes, HIPAA, etc. - any or all. Share a big thanks to everyone who helped your successes and failures - what's with this issue of GATRA Connection. worked, what didn’t work, the good, the This issue was chock-full of great bad, the ugly, and the funny. How did articles, informative as well as you implement the change or changes? educational! We're always happy to Share your tips and tools. How and who have contributions of articles about did you convey the changes to (staff, news of interest to GATRA members, so cancer committee, physicians, feel free to pass suggestions for articles administrators)? What effects do you (or the articles themselves), GATRA think these changes will have on the member doings, (as well as corrections, data collected? DEADLINE DATE: complaints, and other sundry insights September 30, 2005. Application and into the editorial quality of this issue), rules are available on the GATRA web along to [email protected]. site (http://gatraweb.org), or you may contact GATRA President Debbie Chambers at telephone 478-633-1902 or via e-mail at [email protected] .
Ø A LATE ADDENDUM TO GATRA Ways and Means Chair Patricia Fordham's Update article: as mentioned previously in this issue of GATRA Connection, Joan Kibbe has donated a beautiful handmade children's sweater (pictured on Page 6) - we neglected to mention that the sweater is a child's size 4-5 - the color is purple, with white lambs across the bottom. Again Joan, thank you for your generosity!
Also, in addition to donated goods and services, regional baskets will be assembled by Regional Coordinators that will be raffled at the Fall Education Conference. If anyone has items they would like to contribute to the baskets, please contact your Regional
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