About Maine Cancer Registry

What is the Maine Cancer Registry?

The Maine Cancer Registry (MCR) is a statewide population-based cancer surveillance system. The MCR collects information about all newly diagnosed cancers in Maine residents (except in situ cervical cancer and basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin). This information is used to monitor and evaluate cancer incidence patterns in Maine. This information is also used to better understand cancer, identify areas in need of public health interventions, and improve cancer prevention, treatment and control.

Where does the MCR's authority and funding come from?

State law created the MCR in 1983 (MRSA 22 § 1401-1404).

Federal law provided funds for the MCR to expand in 1994, under the National Program of Cancer Registries, a program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USC Title § 42-280e). Today the CDC provides three dollars to the MCR for every dollar from the State.