National Cancer Institute

• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the largest component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the primary federal agency for cancer research.
• NCI’s overarching mission is to lead a national effort to reduce the burden of cancer through groundbreaking research.
• Its research spans a wide array of areas, from basic science and prevention to treatment, survivorship, and addressing health disparities.
• NCI funds and conducts research, supports clinical trials, and disseminates vital cancer information to the public and scientific community.
• The Institute’s work aims to translate scientific discoveries into improved patient outcomes and public health.

What is the National Cancer Institute (NCI)?

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the leading federal agency for cancer research and training in the United States, established by Congress in 1937. As part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is one of the 11 agencies that compose the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NCI is the largest funder of cancer research globally. Its primary role is to lead the nation’s effort to reduce the burden of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and survivors. A comprehensive National Cancer Institute overview reveals its extensive reach, supporting research at its own laboratories, as well as funding extramural research at universities, medical centers, and other institutions across the country and internationally.

NCI’s work encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, from fundamental laboratory research to clinical trials and population-based studies. It plays a crucial role in setting research priorities, fostering collaboration among scientists, and translating scientific discoveries into practical applications for public health. For instance, NCI-funded research has contributed significantly to advancements in cancer screening, such as mammography for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, which have been instrumental in early detection and improved survival rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early detection through screening can significantly reduce cancer mortality for certain types of cancer.

NCI’s Mission and Key Research Areas

The core National Cancer Institute mission and goals revolve around leading, conducting, and supporting cancer research, training new generations of cancer researchers, and disseminating health information. Its ultimate aim is to eliminate suffering and death from cancer. This mission is pursued through a strategic approach that addresses the entire cancer continuum, from understanding the basic biology of cancer to improving the quality of life for survivors.

The National Cancer Institute research areas are diverse and constantly evolving to tackle the complexities of cancer. These areas include, but are not limited to:

• Basic Science Research: Investigating the fundamental biological processes that drive cancer development, such as genetics, cell growth, and tumor microenvironments.
• Cancer Prevention: Developing strategies to prevent cancer through lifestyle interventions, vaccines, and chemoprevention.
• Early Detection and Diagnosis: Creating new tools and technologies for earlier and more accurate cancer detection.
• Treatment Development: Advancing therapies, including precision medicine, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
• Cancer Survivorship: Addressing the long-term physical, psychological, and social effects of cancer and its treatment.
• Health Disparities: Working to understand and reduce inequities in cancer incidence, mortality, and outcomes among different populations.
• Global Health: Collaborating internationally to address the global burden of cancer, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Through these extensive research efforts, NCI strives to translate scientific breakthroughs into tangible benefits for patients. For example, the development of targeted therapies, which specifically attack cancer cells with certain genetic mutations, has revolutionized the treatment of several cancers, offering more effective and less toxic options. NCI also supports a vast network of clinical trials, making new treatments available to patients and gathering critical data to inform future cancer care guidelines. The continuous investment in these diverse research areas underscores NCI’s commitment to a future where cancer is no longer a major threat to public health.