DevCan Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why don't the numbers generated in DevCan match the numbers provided in the SEER*Explorer?
  2. Why are there separate databases with Kaposi Sarcoma and Mesothelioma classified as individual cancer sites? What are the effects of having separate databases with these sites broken out?
  3. What does the follow-back year define?
  4. How do I import data from SEER*Stat into DevCan?
  5. Is there a suggested citation for DevCan?

1. Why don't the numbers generated in DevCan match the numbers provided in the SEER*Explorer?

In most cases, this occurs because the database or selections do not match the ones used in the SEER*Explorer. Make sure that the database selected in DevCan is the exact database referenced in the SEER*Explorer. Also, check that the year, race, sex, and age combinations you are using in DevCan matches those in the SEER*Explorer. If viewing lifetime risk estimates, be sure that the check box labeled"Last Interval Open Ended" in DevCan's Options dialog is checked. In the SEER*Explorer, the risk of developing cancer comes from SEER areas only, while the risk of dying of cancer comes from the total US.

2. Why are there separate databases with Kaposi Sarcoma and Mesothelioma classified as individual cancer sites? What are the effects of having separate databases with these sites broken out?

Deaths caused by Kaposi Sarcoma and Mesothelioma were not classified as such until 2000, so the only data available for these sites is since that year. To provide risk estimates from earlier years, databases were provided with DevCan without these sites classified as separate sites.

The effect of having Kaposi Sarcoma and Mesothelioma defined as their own sites is that cancers which would otherwise be classified as other sites (lung, for instance) are now not added to those totals. Therefore, the risk of developing or dying of lung cancer for a particular cohort, as determined from a database with Kaposi Sarcoma and Mesothelioma separated out, will be less than the risk calculated for the same cohort in a database without these sites separately listed.

For more information, see SEER Site Recode ICD-O-3 (1/27/2003) Definition and SEER Cause of Death Recode 1969+ (9/17/2004).

3. What does the follow-back year define?

Please see the explanation of follow-back year.

4. How do I import data from SEER*Stat into DevCan?

See the SEER*Stat importing tutorials.

5. Is there a suggested citation for DevCan?

A citation for DevCan, indicating the software version, is recommended. Select About from the DevCan Help menu to view the specific citation. The citation for the software version and database is also provided in a footnote included with DevCan results.

Last Updated: 15 Apr, 2021