For over a century, the University of Minnesota has made substantial strides in cancer prevention and diagnosis, while providing cancer patients with the latest treatment options. As an example of our pioneering approach to cancer research and care, University physicians and scientists performed the first successful bone marrow transplant for immune deficiency and lymphoma. They have also achieved among the nation’s highest survival statistics for gynecologic cancer, and were instrumental in increasing the survival rate for children’s cancers (from 10 percent in 1959 to greater than 70 percent today). University faculty and staff have shed considerable light on cancer prevention, as they were leaders in the discovery of the health hazards associated with tobacco use and the addictive nature of nicotine. In addition, faculty and staff found that regular screening reduces colorectal cancer, and discovered the cancer-preventing qualities of fruits and vegetables.

Drawing upon a century of discoveries and expertise, a concerted effort to become a global leader in the field of cancer research and treatment was launched at the University of Minnesota. As a result, The Cancer Center was established in 1991 in order to provide the community and country with cutting-edge prevention strategies, detection techniques and treatment options. During the past 13 years, The Cancer Center has become a world leader, addressing all facets of the disease.

The mission of The University of Minnesota Cancer Center is to create a collaborative environment that advances knowledge about the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer, and to apply that knowledge to improve quality of life. In order to enhance the health and well-being of others, Cancer Center members share their discoveries with other scientists, students, professionals and the community. The institution serves as a major resource for health care organizations by providing opportunities for local physicians, nurses, public health professionals, scientists, and pharmacists to train and interact with its members, many of whom are the world's leading cancer specialists.

Illustrating the organization’s commitment to cancer prevention, detection and treatment, The University of Minnesota Cancer Center has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, a title reserved for the nation’s premiere research institutions specializing in cancer. This designation provides The Cancer Center with an enhanced ability to recruit top scientists and physicians, and unique opportunities to participate in pioneering clinical trials. In addition, The Cancer Center believes in a collaborative approach to research, which has resulted in significant scientific breakthroughs. The Cancer Center brings together 415 professionals from a variety of disciplines, representing nine university colleges and schools and eight area hospitals and clinics. With researchers, physician-scientists, nurses, pharmacists and dentists included among our ranks, members care for more than 1,700 cancer patients every year and ensure that the organization remains on the forefront of research and scholarship.

In addition to world-renowned research studies and healthcare services, Cancer Center members provide the community with numerous outreach programs. Led by an oncology nurse with more than 20 years of experience, the Cancer Center’s educational resources ensure that low-income individuals are knowledgeable about cancer prevention and treatment and have access to high-quality health care.

The Cancer Center’s education and outreach programs take place in the Twin Cities area, as well as throughout greater Minnesota. Examples of these endeavors include Farm Fest, an educational event for individuals residing in farming communities; Northern Plains American Regional Indian Cancer Conference, which was developed with the support of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux community for tribes throughout the Northern Plains area, and Juneteenth, an African American celebration at Theodore Wirth Park that includes a health fair. These activities have a significant impact on Minnesota communities, especially among underserved individuals who lack adequate information regarding cancer prevention, detection and treatment.

The Cancer Center also provides access to cancer information through our toll-free phone line (1-888-CANCER MN) and website: www.cancer.umn.edu The phone line receives more than 120 calls per month, while the website averages more than 10,000 visitors per month.