Obtaining CSS Data for Research

CSS data are collected to provide a resource for research and public health activities into the patterns, causes, and outcomes of cancer. The steps involved in obtaining CSS data depend on the nature of information needed for a particular project.

• If the project does not require confidential identifying information, CSS data can be obtained from one of two sources:

1. Incidence, survival, and mortality data (case counts, rates, detailed de-identified individual case records) between 1974 and 2004 can be obtained from the SEER program in the form of limited-use files and on-line report generators.

2. Incidence and mortality data (case counts, rates) between 1974 and 2005 can be obtained from Cancer Rates. Please note that the rates by racial group (White, Black) for calendar year 2005 are based on unofficial methods of determining the denominators in these populations, and any differences in these rates from previous years should be interpreted with extreme caution.

• If the project requires confidential identifying information, contact Tiffany Tisdale at (206) 667-7902 to discuss data needs. Confidential CSS data are only made available to qualified researchers whose projects have been reviewed and approved by the FHCRC's Institutional Review Board.

If you have questions about including CSS data in your research project, please contact Tiffany Tisdale.