About KCR

Kentucky's
cancer data
authority.

Since 1990, the Kentucky Cancer Registry has served as the state's central repository for cancer incidence data — informing research, guiding policy, and improving outcomes for all Kentuckians.

35+
Years of continuous data
1.2M
Cancer records on file
120
Reporting facilities statewide
Our Mission

Collecting and disseminating
data to reduce cancer burden.

The Kentucky Cancer Registry (KCR) is the statewide, population-based cancer surveillance system mandated under Kentucky Revised Statute 214.556. We collect, analyze, and disseminate incidence data on all cancers diagnosed among Kentucky residents — working to understand the state's unique cancer burden and support evidence-based interventions.

Our History

Three decades of service

1990

Registry Established

The Kentucky Cancer Registry was established under KRS 214.556, creating a legal mandate for statewide cancer reporting by all hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare facilities in the Commonwealth.

1995

CDC NPCR Funding Awarded

KCR received its first federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program of Cancer Registries, enabling expansion of data collection activities and improved reporting infrastructure.

2001

NAACCR Gold Certification

KCR received its first NAACCR Gold Certification for meeting the highest standards of data quality, completeness, and timeliness — a distinction maintained continuously to the present day.

2010

Electronic Pathology Reporting

Implementation of electronic pathology reporting (ePath) improved case ascertainment and data timeliness substantially, placing Kentucky among early adopters of this technology nationally.

2022

Next-Generation Data Platform

Launch of the modernized KCR data portal enabled enhanced public access to cancer statistics and improved interfaces for authorized research data requests, dramatically reducing turnaround time for analysts.

Certification & Standards

Recognized for quality

NAACCR Gold Certification

KCR has maintained NAACCR Gold Certification every year since 2001, recognizing our data as meeting the highest standards for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness.

CDC NPCR Grantee

As a grantee of the CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries since 1995, KCR meets federal standards for cancer surveillance and contributes data to national estimates.

HIPAA-Compliant Data Practices

All KCR operations comply with HIPAA Privacy Rule provisions for public health activities, with rigorous protocols governing data security, access, and dissemination.

SEER Program Standards

KCR data collection follows SEER program coding standards, ensuring compatibility with national databases and enabling Kentucky to participate in multi-state epidemiological research.

Our People

Registry leadership

Full Directory
DR

Director, KCR

Leadership

Oversees all registry operations, strategic planning, and statewide reporting requirements.

DA

Data Quality Manager

Operations

Leads data auditing, compliance reviews, and facility education programs across the state.

RE

Research & Epidemiology

Analysis

Directs statistical analysis, surveillance reports, and responses to data requests.