The Cancer Registry for Holmes Regional Medical Center, Palm Bay Community Hospital, and Cape Canaveral Hospital received the Florida Cancer Data Systems (FCDS) 2007 Jean Byers Award for Excellence in Cancer Registration. The Cancer Registry at the three Health First hospitals represents three out of 133 Florida hospitals to receive this honor. This award is presented to Cancer Registries for the collection and distribution of data related to cancer case admissions.

In compliance with Florida Statute 381.0031, the hospitals report cancer data to the state central registry through FCDS. "We are honored to receive the Jean Byers Award," said Susan Ohlin, Certified Tumor Registrar for the Cancer Registry at Holmes Regional Medical Center and Palm Bay Community Hospital. "The cancer registry data reported are a part of the foundation for stage of cancer disease at diagnosis, cancer research, best practice models in cancer care and cancer survivorship."

The Cancer Registry provides information on all forms of cancer treated and diagnosed at all three of Health First hospitals, including Holmes Regional Medical Center, Palm Bay Community Hospital, and Cape Canaveral Hospital.

FCDS is Florida's statewide cancer surveillance system. FCDS was legislatively mandated in 1978 to collect incidence data on all cases seen in Florida since 1981. The goal of FCDS is to reduce death and illness due to cancer by providing data on cancer incidence. These data are used to observe cancer trends and provide a research base for studies into the possible causes of cancer.

The prestigious Jean Byers Award is given in honor of Jean Anne Byers, CTR. Ms. Byers dedicated her life to working and helping to promote a healthier community through research and education in the oncology registry profession.