The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a component of the National Institutes
of Health (NIH), one of eight agencies that compose the Public Health Service
(PHS) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The NCI,
established under the National Cancer Institute Act of 1937, is the Federal
Government's principal agency for cancer research and training. The National
Cancer Act of 1971 broadened the scope and responsibilities of the NCI and
created the National Cancer Program. Over the years, legislative amendments have
maintained the NCI authorities and responsibilities and added new information
dissemination mandates as well as a requirement to assess the incorporation of
state-of-the-art cancer treatments into clinical practice.
The National Cancer Institute coordinates the National Cancer Program, which
conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and
other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment
of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer
patients and the families of cancer patients. Specifically, the Institute:
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Supports and coordinates research projects conducted by universities,
hospitals, research foundations, and businesses throughout this country and
abroad through research grants and cooperative agreements.
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Conducts research in its own laboratories and clinics.
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Supports education and training in fundamental sciences and clinical
disciplines for participation in basic and clinical research programs and
treatment programs relating to cancer through career awards, training
grants, and fellowships.
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Supports research projects in cancer control.
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Supports a national network of cancer centers.
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Collaborates with voluntary organizations and other national and foreign
institutions engaged in cancer research and training activities.
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Encourages and coordinates cancer research by industrial concerns where
such concerns evidence a particular capability for programmatic research.
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Collects and disseminates information on cancer.
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Supports construction of laboratories, clinics, and related facilities
necessary for cancer research through the award of construction grants.