Final answer:
The SEER program collects data based on a mandate by the National Cancer Institute's SEER program. This program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1971 to provide information on cancer incidence, prevalence, and survival rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program collects data based on a mandate by the National Cancer Institute's SEER program. This program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1971 to provide information on cancer incidence, prevalence, and survival rates. The SEER program gathers data from various sources, including hospitals, cancer registries, and medical records, to help researchers and health agencies study and monitor cancer trends.