The programed text is designed to provide tumor registrars with a means of learning the procedures for abstracting charts of cancer patients and for carrying out the other functions of a tumor registry. It was developed as an adjunct to on-the-job training for use without direct instructor supervision. Directions and suggestions for using the manual are provided. The content is presented in three major sections. The first deals with the definition of a tumor registry, general introduction to tumor registries, types of registries, confidentiality of patient records, and functions of registries (data collection, patient follow-up, education, and research). Descriptions of job activities and job aids of the tumor registrar are contained in the second section. The final section presents the relationship between the tumor registry and the hospital in general, other hospital departments, and outside medical organizations. The material is presented in paragraph and outline form. Objective and subjective test items are interspersed followed by answers. Important words in tumor registry vocabulary are underlined and defined. Sample medical record forms are included in the text. Also contained are a two-page glossary, a selected bibliography for learner use, and a subject index. (MS)