The University of Nebraska wants to be at the forefront of developing new methods to screen, prevent, detect and treat cancer, which affects one of every two Americans. To get there, we want to be designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center no later than 2020. Currently this designation, bestowed on only those who do the very best basic science and clinical research, belongs to about 40 institutions, the vast majority located on the east and west coast.

Cancer affects one of every two Americans

Once a designation is earned, it must be kept, through development and expansion of cancer research programs. The thorough review required to keep the designation will assure the bar remains high for University of Nebraska researchers, like oncologist Anne Kessinger, whose work 25 years ago in peripheral stem cell transplant resulted in a new standard of care that today is used around the world.

The university’s new college of public health will also play an important role in achieving comprehensive care center designation, by recruiting additional cancer epidemiologists and behavioral researchers. Also helping us achieve this designation is our continued recruitment of the best in the field, such as breast cancer researchers Hamid and Vimla Band and 14 team members who came with them from Northwestern University to lead our breast cancer research center. In the end, the goal is more than the label “comprehensive cancer center” but what will result: research leading to cures and better care.