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NIH
U.S. National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute

Accessing Datasets & Tools

Use SEER data to address multiple issues, for example:

  • Examine stage at diagnosis by race/ethnicity.
  • Calculate survival by stage at diagnosis, age at diagnosis, and grade or size of tumor.
  • Determine trends and incidence rates of cancers at various sites over time.

How to Access SEER Data

SEER limited-use data files and SEER*Stat software are available to download through your Internet connection (SEER*Stat’s client-server mode) or via discs shipped directly to you. A signed data agreement form is required to access the SEER data. For detailed instructions, see SEER Data, 1973-2005.

Statistical Software

The SEER*Stat statistical software provides a convenient, intuitive mechanism for the analysis of SEER and other cancer-related databases. It is a powerful personal computer tool to produce statistics for studying the impact of cancer on a population.

The SEER*Prep software converts user-supplied ASCII text data files to the SEER*Stat database format, allowing analysis of population-based registry data using SEER*Stat.

There are several Analytic Software tools that have been developed for the analysis and reporting of cancer statistics.

Documentation & Recodes

The Data Documentation & Variable Recodes provide information related to reporting and using SEER data and other data sets.

Download the printable Accessing SEER Data fact sheet (PDF).