National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

What does it Mean?

The NCI Cancer Centers Program was created as part of the National Cancer Act of 1971 and 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. Yale Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Connecticut and one of only 56 Centers in the nation.

NCI-Designated Cancer Centers meet rigorous standards for state-of-the-art research programs focused on developing new and better approaches in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Why Choose an NCI Designated Cancer Center to get your Care?

In collaboration with Smilow Cancer Hospital, Yale Cancer Center provides cancer treatment for patients through multidisciplinary teams who work together to make sure that every aspect of a patient’s treatment plan is well managed. As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, patients are provided with the best approaches for prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment for cancer. Studies show that patients treated at NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers have better survival and recovery rates and access to transformative clinical trials.

National and Global Impact

NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers have helped pioneer and contribute substantially to the increase in the number of cancer survivors in the United States and are recognized for their leadership in laboratory and clinical research, in addition to serving communities and the broader public by integrating training into its mission. In many cases, there are innovative treatments that are only available through NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and their affiliates. Research conducted at Yale Cancer Center laboratories in collaboration with research consortium partners, results in the development of cutting-edge clinical trials.