September 09, 2020
The University of Kansas Cancer Center reached a significant milestone by achieving National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation in 2012 and having our status renewed in 2017. We are the only cancer center in this region and one of only 71 in the nation to receive this distinction. It matters because patients who come to us have 25% better chance of outcomes than those who receive care at other centers.
We’ve made progress, but there is more to do. This year, about 606,500 people in the U.S. will die from cancer. In Kansas, 14,500 people will be diagnosed with cancer. Our quest is far from over.
Within Reach: The Quest to Conquer All Cancers
Conquering cancer is profoundly personal because it affects all of us. It is a collective vision uniting the community as nearly everyone has been touched by the tragedy of cancer. Together, we can break the devastating grip of cancer.
In 2021, the cancer center will be applying for the highest level of NCI designation, Comprehensive designation. It is the gold standard, awarded to cancer centers that are recognized for their trailblazing research and leadership in developing cutting-edge treatments. Centers achieve this elite distinction by demonstrating significant depth and breadth in basic, clinical and translational research, with a clear focus on the cancers most affecting their communities.
Achieving comprehensive designation means more access to research dollars and enhances our ability to grow our team of researchers and physician-scientists. It means we can offer the highest level of research, prevention and treatment available.
As our application deadline nears, we will share with you what NCI Comprehensive designation really means for our patients and their families, civic leaders, the communities we serve, as well as our scientists, clinicians and support staff.