An exploratory study was conducted to obtain information regarding staff requirements in small tumor registry centers, involving a brief analysis of existing tumor registry centers and exploration of training and organizational factors that might be associated with establishing new centers. Activities performed by tumor registry personnel were defined as: (1) selecting medical records for registry purposes. (2) abstracting records, (3) coding records for data processing purposes, (4) initiating follow-up for cases within the registry, (5) maintaining registry files, (6) preparing reports, (7) activating a registry, and (8) supervising personnel and operations. It was found that various kinds of guidance and reference materials did exist for the eight activities but there were no formal training programs and there was a need for improving existing materials. The development of a self-instructional package for teaching medical terminology appeared to be particularly desirable. Study findings are discussed under the headings: (1) objectives, services, and procedures for a state-wide tumor registry system, (2) centralization of activities, (3) alternative systems, (4) relation between procedural alternatives and physician involvement in record abstracting, (5) training implications, and (6) research projects. (JK)