Our NCI Designation

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer center. It is the only such center in the region and 1 of fewer than 60 in the United States. This is the highest honor bestowed by the NCI.

Comprehensive cancer centers like The University of Kansas Cancer Center are pioneers in cancer research, recognized for their scientific leadership, resources and depth of research in basic, clinical and population science.

As an NCI-designated comprehensive center, it is also the cancer center’s duty to provide public education and outreach programs on cancer prevention and screening, with a sharpened focus on the unique underserved and high-risk populations in Kansas and western Missouri.

Stowers Institute for Medical Research and Children’s Mercy are recognized by the NCI as our formal consortium members. Our cancer efforts are made stronger by these powerhouse partners. With Stowers’ strong emphasis in basic research, combined with Children’s Mercy’s focus on pediatric patients, we are able to deepen our research efforts and help more patients. 

Read our latest application below, which highlights the cancer center’s vision, goals and notable accomplishments. You can read our 2022 site report here.