Vanderbilt-Ingram has been one of a select few National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers since 1995 and one of only 41 achieving the NCI’s highest distinction, as a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), since 2001.

To achieve designation as Comprehensive Cancer Center, a rigorous evaluation must find the center to be among the nation’s leaders in all types of cancer research, treatment, prevention, and outreach/education. They must demonstrate strength, depth, innovation and commitment in these areas:

• Basic research in the laboratory

• Translational research that takes discoveries from the lab to clinical care

• Clinical research including patient studies called clinical trials

• Cancer prevention research and programs

• Cancer information services

• Community education and outreach

• Training of the next generation of physicians, researchers, nurses and other cancer professionals

In addition, the NCI’s Cancer Advisory Board, appointed by the President of the United States, must recommend approval for comprehensive designation. Centers must report their progress and activities every year, and are thoroughly re-evaluated every three to five years to ensure that these strict standards continue to be met.