Promoting Cancer Surveillance Workforce, Education, and Data Use

Forecasted opportunity (not yet open for applications; expected to be posted around 2027-01-05; estimated application due date 2027-03-08). This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) will help build a workforce that's prepared to collect and use high-quality cancer data. This work is essential to understand the impact of cancer and inform public health action, research, and policy. This NOFO will support the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) by: Strengthening the cancer surveillance workforce. Improving NPCR cancer data quality and completeness. Promoting the value and use of NPCR cancer surveillance data. The recipient will support certified Oncology Data Specialists (ODS) and other cancer surveillance professionals with education, credentialing, and professional development. These activities are intended to ensure the cancer surveillance workforce has the knowledge, skills, and resources to meet emerging needs and new technologies. The recipient will develop, maintain, and advance best practices, tools, and partnerships that support NPCR priorities and ensure timely, complete, and high-quality NPCR cancer surveillance data. This includes improving access to the expertise of ODS through technical assistance and guidance for NPCR registries and staff. In addition, the recipient will strengthen collaboration and communication strategies to promote the value and use of NPCR cancer surveillance data. The goal of these efforts is to help more people recognize that NPCR cancer surveillance data is a valuable resource for cancer research and public health decision-making. As a cooperative agreement, CDC will work closely with the recipient to provide technical assistance, support coordination with NPCR and partners, monitor progress, and help ensure a prepared cancer surveillance workforce that can meet current and future public health needs.