Cancer Research Matters

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is targeting six priority areas shaped by the cancer burden in our catchment area, which includes the state of Kansas and 18 counties in western Missouri. These focus areas guide where we can make the greatest impact through research and prevention. 

Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in our catchment area and ranks second in cancer-related deaths. Women in rural communities are often diagnosed at later stages and have lower screening rates. Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer than other women in our region. 

Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in our catchment area and ranks second in cancer-related deaths. 

Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers: Colorectal cancer is the most common GI cancer, with incidence and mortality rates in our region exceeding national averages. Rural individuals in our region have a higher mortality rate than those in urban areas. GI cancers also include stomach, liver, esophagus, pancreas and small intestine. 

Hematologic Cancers: Leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are among the top cancers in our region. Hematologic cancers are also common in children, with leukemia being the most common childhood cancer. The cancer center partners with Children’s Mercy on groundbreaking pediatric and adolescent clinical trials. 

Tobacco-Related Cancers: Smoking rates are higher in our catchment area, and lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths. Because tobacco use is preventable, cessation efforts are key to reducing cancer rates. 

Obesity: About 35% of people living in Kansas and western Missouri have obesity. It is associated with at least 13 types of cancer and is on track to overtake tobacco use as the leading cause of preventable cancer. 

Research

Cancer clinical trials drive advancements in how we detect and treat cancer, giving people access to promising therapies that would not exist without research. An interventional trial is a study in which participants receive a specific treatment or therapy so researchers can evaluate its safety and effectiveness. 

~2,000 active clinical trials* 
1,388 active interventional treatment trials* 

Persons Enrolled on a Clinical Trial 
45,229 enrollments* 
14,039 interventional treatment enrollments* 
*since 2010

Research Programs 

The Cancer Biology program studies how cancer cells grow and spread, aiming to discover new ways to prevent and treat cancer through personalized therapies. 

Cancer Prevention and Control works to reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes by promoting healthy behaviors, early detection and support for patients and survivors. 

Drug Discovery, Development and Experimental Therapeutics brings together scientists and partners to create and test new treatments and diagnostics, helping move discoveries from the lab to patients. 

Funding 

In 2025, the cancer center received $51 million in total peer-reviewed funding.

State Investment 

In 2007, the state of Kansas allocated $5 million annually to support the cancer center’s pursuit of National Cancer Institute comprehensive designation. This contribution increased to $10 million in 2020 to further cancer research, fund startup investments for funding researchers and accelerate innovation. 

Regional Impact 

From 2007 through 2028, The University of Kansas Cancer Center will contribute an estimated $2.6 billion to the region’s economy through its research activities.

Community Impact

The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s catchment area includes the entire state of Kansas and 18 counties in western Missouri: 4.6 million people, 123 counties (96 of them classified as rural or frontier), 92,000+ square miles.

Cancer Screenings 
5,254 individuals reached 

Community Engagement 
44,226 individuals reached 
325% increase in community engagement since 2021

Healthcare Provider Education 
15,198 continuing education hours