Frequently Asked Questions About NCI-Designated Cancer Centers

What is the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Centers Program?

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Centers Program is one of the anchors of the nation’s cancer research effort. Through this program, NCI recognizes centers around the country that meet rigorous standards for transdisciplinary, state-of-the-art research focused on developing new and better approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.

How many NCI-designated Cancer Centers are there in the United States?

There are 71 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers that are funded by NCI to deliver cutting-edge cancer treatments to patients. Of these 71 institutions:

• Thirteen are Cancer Centers, recognized for their scientific leadership, resources, and the depth and breadth of their research in basic, clinical, and/or prevention, cancer control, and population science.
• Fifty-one are Comprehensive Cancer Centers, also recognized for their leadership and resources, in addition to demonstrating an added depth and breadth of research, as well as substantial transdisciplinary research that bridges these scientific areas. The Rutgers Cancer Institute together with RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
• Seven are Basic Laboratory Cancer Centers that are primarily focused on laboratory research and often conduct preclinical translation while working collaboratively with other institutions to apply these laboratory findings to new and better treatments.

Does every state have an NCI-designated Cancer Center?

No. Currently there are 71 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers, located in 36 states and the District of Columbia. Some states have more than one NCI-designated Cancer Center, some have none, and some states like New Jersey have only one. The Rutgers Cancer Institute together with RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s only such center.

Is a Cancer Center that is a Consortia partner of an NCI-designated Cancer Center, themselves NCI designated?

No. NCI designation is only given to the parent organization that formed the consortia. Consortia partners are not themselves NCI-designated. They must indicate that they are a member of a consortia and name the actual NCI-designated Cancer Center when using the NCI designation logo. Any NCI-designated Cancer Center can apply to form a consortia. In fact, Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, has Princeton University as a consortia partner.

How does a cancer center achieve NCI designation?

NCI designation is granted competitively to institutions characterized by the highest level of scientific excellence in cancer research and the ability to translate scientific discoveries into novel treatments. NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers, such as Rutgers Cancer Institute, also have a responsibility to educate the public and health care professionals and provide outreach to underserved populations.

When was the NCI’s Cancer Center Program established?

The NCI Cancer Centers Program was created as part of the National Cancer Act of 1971.

Please visit www.cinj.org/cancerfacts for additional frequently asked questions.