Through its stewardship of FCDS, the department supports cancer surveillance, research and data-driven public health initiatives across Florida in partnership with the Florida Department of Health.

Established in 1978, FCDS is the second-largest population-based cancer registry in the United States and has collected cancer incidence data since 1981. Through a statewide reporting network of hospitals, physician offices, laboratories and treatment facilities, the registry captures more than 150,000 new cancer cases each year, providing one of the nation's most comprehensive cancer surveillance datasets.

FCDS became part of the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 1994 and has consistently earned Gold Certification from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR).

“One of our most distinguishing achievements has been the long-standing attainment of NAACCR Gold Certification and NPCR’s Registry of Distinction,” said Monique Hernandez, Ph.D., registry director.

“Florida's data are among the highest quality in the country because of the dedication of oncology data specialists across the state and our experienced FCDS team. The University of Miami has led this work for more than 40 years. That’s truly incredible!”

David Lee, Ph.D., professor in the division of Epidemiology & Population Health Sciences, serves as project director and principal investigator for FCDS. "FCDS is one of the premier cancer registries in the country," Dr. Lee said. "The data allow us to monitor cancer trends across Florida, identify communities experiencing disproportionate cancer burdens and support targeted prevention efforts, such as screening programs in areas with high rates of late-stage disease."

The registry supports cancer prevention and control efforts by monitoring cancer incidence and survival trends, identifying disparities and informing implementation of the Florida Cancer Plan. FCDS also submits data to the CDC, contributing to national cancer statistics and trend analyses. Florida data are also included in the Cancer in North America survival and prevalence monographs published by the NAACCR.  

Beyond its role in cancer surveillance, FCDS serves as an important research resource for investigators across the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine and institutions throughout Florida. Through an established data request and data use process, investigators use FCDS data to advance research funded by the CDC, the National Institutes of Health and other organizations focused on cancer outcomes, health disparities, survivorship and epidemiology.

"We have a number of investigative teams at the University of Miami utilizing FCDS data, including students who gain valuable research experience by participating in these projects," Dr. Lee said.

Reporting to FCDS is required under Florida law, allowing the registry to maintain one of the nation’s most comprehensive cancer surveillance datasets.

Within the Department of Public Health Sciences, FCDS oversees statewide data collection, quality assurance, publication of annual cancer statistics, education and training, reporting to national partners and linkage of cancer data with other health datasets.

As cancer trends continue to evolve, FCDS is also exploring opportunities to expand the scope and depth of information collected on cancer cases.

“Cancer surveillance is a constantly evolving field,” Dr. Lee said. “We’re undertaking pilot projects to improve upon the depth and breadth of data collected on each cancer case, including incorporating new diagnostic tools designed to improve cancer care.”

Because Florida is one of the nation's most diverse states, FCDS also provides researchers with valuable insight into cancer risk and outcomes across diverse populations.

“Every cancer diagnosis reported in Florida contributes to a larger story,” said Margie Jimenez, assistant chair in the Department of Public Health Sciences. “Through the incredible work of our FCDS, these data help researchers identify trends, evaluate treatments, better understand disparities and guide public health decisions that strengthen cancer prevention and care across the state.”

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published July 13, 2026.