What makes a National Cancer Institute?

There are only 60 NCI designated cancer centers in the world, 40 of which are appointed as comprehensive cancer centers.

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Thirteen years ago, the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center was bestowed with the prestigious title of a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer center and has kept the label since. There are only 60 NCI designated cancer centers in the world and 40 of which are appointed as comprehensive cancer centers.

What does it mean to be a NCI designated cancer center and how does one qualify? It means that cancer centers like the Masonic Cancer Center must garner a high level of NCI – funded research. NCI cancer centers must also perform cross-disciplinary research projects and clearly demonstrate that the institution is supportive of the cancer research it’s conducting.

So what is the difference between a NCI cancer center and a NCI comprehensive cancer center? How are these designated centers different from community oncology clinics? In this podcast episode of Health Talk and You, we aim to answer those questions as we discuss the meaning of the distinguished title with our guest, Douglas Yee, M.D. and Director of the Masonic Cancer Center who has helped brand the Masonic Cancer Center with this name.

--Nick Hanson and Laura Wallenta