History

Compiled and written by Jane Yoakum

In April 1972, a statewide cancer registry workshop, sponsored by the Texas Department of Health, was held in Austin, Texas. During this workshop, a majority of tumor registry personnel present agreed to establish a state association of tumor registrars. Those in attendance were asked to assist in the founding of such an association, and an ad hoc committee under the guidance of Amelia Menchetti was formed to write by-laws and outline membership requirements.

Following months of work, determination and dedication, the Texas Tumor Registrars Association was chartered by the State of Texas on October 31, 1972. The Charter meeting was held in Dallas on November 3, 1972, and was well attended by tumor registrars from across the State of Texas. By-laws were adopted, officers elected, and TxTRA was declared a non-profit professional association, with membership open to all persons employed directly or indirectly in the tumor registry field. Purposes of the Texas Tumor Registrars Association, were set forth in the by-laws.

The official seal of TxTRA was adopted November 3, 1972, at this charter meeting. The outline of Texas represents the state in which we serve. The quill symbolizes our responsibility to record all information concerning the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of our cancer patients. The sword symbolizes our weapon to use against cancer through our professional endeavors as tumor registrars.

National Cancer Registrars Association’s Founding Members from Texas

Texas Tumor Registrars Association’s Charter Members

Past Presidents and Annual Meeting Sites