Loyola University Medical Center is seeking a detail-oriented Cancer Registry Specialist to support our nationally recognized oncology program. In this role, you will analyze, abstract, maintain, and report cancer registry data to ensure compliance with national and state standards while supporting patient care, outcomes research, quality improvement initiatives, and accreditation requirements.

This position is ideal for a candidate with cancer registry experience who is passionate about data integrity, oncology services, and improving patient outcomes.

What You Will Do

Abstract and Analyze Cancer Cases

• Analyze and abstract medical records for patients diagnosed or treated for cancer.
• Accurately collect and enter demographic, diagnostic, treatment, staging, and outcome data.
• Ensure compliance with standards established by:
  • American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC)
  • National Cancer Database (NCDB)
  • Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program
  • Illinois State Cancer Registry (ISCR)
  • Loyola Cancer Registry guidelines
• Maintain productivity standards, averaging 4 to 6 abstracted cases per day depending on complexity.

Perform Cancer Registry Follow-Up

• Conduct monthly and annual follow-up activities for analytic cancer cases.
• Maintain follow-up rates in accordance with CoC standards:
  • 80% follow-up from reference date
  • 90% follow-up for analytic cases diagnosed within the past five years
• Respond to follow-up inquiries from external cancer registries and healthcare organizations.

Reporting and Regulatory Compliance

• Submit reportable cancer cases to the Illinois State Cancer Registry.
• Review and resolve submission edits and data quality issues.
• Participate in annual data submissions to the National Cancer Database (NCDB).
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting that supports accreditation and regulatory requirements.

Support Quality Improvement and Research

• Respond to data requests from physicians, researchers, and hospital leadership.
• Assist with quality assurance reviews and database audits.
• Support Cancer Committee activities, meetings, and annual reporting initiatives.
• Participate in special studies and research projects related to cancer outcomes and treatment.

Conduct Casefinding Activities

• Review pathology, cytology, autopsy, radiation oncology, and diagnostic reports.
• Identify reportable cancer cases and first-course treatment information.
• Ensure timely case finding and registry data completeness.

Promote Service Excellence

• Demonstrate Loyola's values of Care, Concern, Respect, and Cooperation.
• Participate in patient safety and quality improvement initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative environment through teamwork and effective communication.

What You Will Need

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1 to 2 years of healthcare, medical records, oncology, cancer registry, or related experience.
• Certified Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) credential upon hire
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, cancer staging, and treatment modalities.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and data management skills.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and registry software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent education and experience.
• 3 to 5 years of cancer registry or oncology-related experience.
• RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) or RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator) credential, completed or eligible.
• Previous experience with CoC, NCDB, SEER, and state cancer registry reporting requirements.
• Experience supporting cancer program accreditation, research, and quality initiatives.