Cancer Database Assistant

Exciting Opportunity at MSK: Cancer Database Assistant 

Apply your detail‑oriented skills in a vital cancer registry role supporting lifelong patient surveillance and data accuracy. As a Cancer Database Assistant, you’ll track patient outcomes, process vital status updates, and ensure timely, accurate registry records that support research, reporting, and patient care.  

You’ll work with electronic medical records, reconcile data across systems, and contribute to special projects in a structured, mission‑driven environment. Join a dedicated cancer registry team where precision, confidentiality, and follow‑through make a meaningful impact every day. 

Role Overview 

• Maintain lifetime surveillance of cancer patients by updating registry records with vital status, recurrence, and treatment information 

• Review electronic medical records and abstract required data elements for specialized New York State registries as requested 

• Process and manage internal and external mail related to cancer registry operations, including death notifications and registry requests 

• Receive, document, and enter death notification information from mail, email, and telephone sources into enterprise systems 

• Upload and route death documentation for inclusion in the electronic medical record 

• Actively track patients annually to obtain updated health and vital status information 

• Use external databases and registries to reduce loss to follow‑up and confirm patient status 

• Reconcile discrepancies in patient vital status across multiple systems and data sources 

• Support ad hoc requests and special projects related to patient status and registry reporting 

Key Qualifications 

• Experience working with electronic systems such as email, internet‑based tools, spreadsheets, and databases 

• Ability to accurately enter, update, and maintain detailed medical or patient data 

• Familiarity with medical or cancer‑related terminology preferred 

• Prior experience in a hospital or automated medical records environment preferred 

Core Skills 

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling sensitive medical information 

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with privacy standards 

• Effective organizational skills to manage multiple data sources and requests 

• Comfort learning and navigating new computer systems and workflows 

• Dependable follow‑through and time management in a structured, process‑driven environment 

Additional Information: 

• Schedule: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST, Monday - Friday 

• Reporting To: Manager II, Cancer Registry 

• Location: Hybrid; 1x a month in NYC 

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