How to Request Access to SEER Data

SEER has two data products available: SEER Research and SEER Research Plus. The Research Plus databases require a more rigorous process for access that includes user authentication through an Institutional Account or a multiple-step request process for Non-Institutional users. The two options to request access are described below.

1. For Institutional Account Holders?
   • Preferred method that provides direct access to the Research Plus databases.
2. For Non-Institutional Users?
   • Used to access the more limited Research databases; an additional application is required for Research Plus access.

For Institutional Account Holders

Obtain access through an eRA Commons account if you are affiliated with an organization (examples include students and researchers at domestic and international universities, for-profit and not-for-profit company employees, and state government employees). If you do not yet have an eRA Commons account, contact your institute's Signing Official or Account Administrator about getting an eRA commons account. Refer to the FAQs for instructions. If you are requesting data for personal use, you must go through the Non-Institutional User process described below.

Requestors associated with the NIH, or the following other HHS Agencies should use their PIV Cards to request with an institutional Account: AHRQ, CDC, CMS, FDA, and IHS. All other government agencies will need to submit a request through obtaining eRA commons credentials.

Step 1: Apply for Research Plus Data Access

1. Log into the Data Request System with your Institutional account.
2. Complete the application form.
• Contact information for a Signing Official is required.
• The email address for the data requestor and the Signing Official must be affiliated with your institute/university/company. Note: Requests using open email accounts like gmail, icloud, 163.com etc. will be rejected.  
3. Acknowledge the following:
   • SEER Research Data Use Agreement
   • SEER Treatment Data Limitations
   • Best Practices Assurance
4. Submit the form.

After you confirm your email, the SEER program will process your request within 2 business days and you will be given a SEER*Stat username and temporary password. The username and password are used to access the data through SEER*Stat.

Step 2: Download and Install SEER*Stat

1. Download and install the current version of the SEER*Stat Software. You must be connected to the Internet while using SEER*Stat.
2. Log into SEER*Stat using the SEER*Stat username and temporary password.
3. Change your password:
   1. Go to the Client-Server Login dialog from the Profile menu.
   2. Enter your username and click the Password link.

For Non-Institutional Users (those without eRA Commons/NIH or HHS Accounts)

If you are not affiliated with an organization, complete these steps to access the Research Data. You cannot request access to the Research Plus data until after access is granted to the Research Data. If you have access to an Institutional Account, you must use it to request the SEER data unless you are requesting the data for personal use (refer to the FAQ about personal use of the data for more information).

Step 1: Apply for Research Data Access

1. Log into the Data Request System with your personal email account.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Acknowledge the following:
• SEER Research Data Use Agreement
• Best Practices Assurance
4. Submit the form.
5. You will receive an email with a link to verify your email address.

After you confirm your email, the SEER program will process your request and you will be given a SEER*Stat username and temporary password. The username and password are used to access the data through SEER*Stat.

Step 2: Download and Install SEER*Stat

1. Download and install the current version of the SEER*Stat Installation program. You must be connected to the Internet while using SEER*Stat.
2. Log into SEER*Stat using the SEER*Stat username and temporary password to access the Research databases.
3. Change your password:
   1. Go to the Client-Server Login dialog from the Profile menu.
   2. Enter your username and click the Password link.

Research Plus Access for Non-Institutional Users

If you do not have an Institutional Account and want access to the Research Plus data, first get access to the Research Data in Step 1 above, and then complete the following steps to upgrade your access:

1. Log into the Data Request System with the same email address used in Step 1 above.
2. You will receive an email with a link to verify your email address.
3. Complete the application form for Research Plus data.
   • The Signing Official must be the same as the requestor.
4. Acknowledge the following:
   • SEER Research Data Use Agreement
   • SEER Treatment Data Limitations
   • Best Practices Assurance
5. Submit the form.

The SEER program will process your request within 2 business days and send an email when access is granted. The next time you log into SEER*Stat, the Research Plus databases will be available.

Specialized Databases

You must already have access to the latest Research Plus data with a valid Institutional Account before you can submit a proposal for review to apply for the access to one of the specialized databases. A separate application is needed to access each specialized database. Refer to the list of Specialized Databases for more information.