At The University of Kansas Cancer Center, we are on a mission to conquer all cancers.
We are the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center in the region, and 1 of only 71 in the nation, to receive this elite distinction. NCI-designated cancer centers are recognized for their scientific excellence, including their depth and breadth of research. They are the backbone of innovative research and care across the country, helping to pioneer today’s most groundbreaking advances in cancer treatment.
Examples of our efforts to reduce the burden of cancer include:
- Developing a novel drug to treat bladder cancer – the first new treatment for bladder cancer in more than two decades.
- Expanding the reach of innovative cancer clinical trials to rural Kansans as one of just 14 National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) minority/underserved (MU) community sites.
- Creating novel technologies that help detect cancer earlier.
- Educating groups at increased risk for certain cancers about the importance of regular screenings.
- Promoting policies that have the potential to save lives and decrease the incidence of cancer. This includes supported education policy makers about the importance of providing Kansas Medicaid program coverage for low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer.
Countdown to Comprehensive
Over the next decade, the number of cancer diagnoses are predicted to increase by 50 percent. One in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
In September 2021, KU Cancer Center submitted its NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) application. To maintain designation, which is renewable every five years, centers must go through a rigorous process to show their contributions to reducing cancer burden. With this application, we are seeking renewal of NCI designation and consideration for the highest level of NCI designation, comprehensive cancer center status. To attain comprehensive designation, the cancer center must demonstrate significant depth and breadth in basic, clinical and translational research, with a clear focus on the cancers most affecting our communities.
What does NCI comprehensive designation mean for our patients, their families and our community? It means higher survival rates and fewer cancer cases overall. More lives saved.
Join us on our quest to conquer all cancers.
