There are approximately 1,500 centers providing cancer care in the U.S. today. Of these, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) recognizes the top four percent as NCI-Designated Cancer Centers. Of these, only 51 are recognized as Comprehensive Cancer Centers—centers that can deliver cutting-edge patient care; conduct laboratory, clinical, behavioral, and population-based research; educate and train researchers and health care professionals, and provide scientific leadership at the national level.
Since 1998, one of these centers has been here, in Minnesota, at our University, making a difference in lives around the world. The Masonic Cancer Center creates a collaborative research environment focused on the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. It applies that knowledge to improve the quality of life for patients and survivors. It impacts cancer care worldwide by sharing its discoveries with other scientists, students, professionals, and the community.
It is also deeply embedded in the fabric of our statewide University system and clinical care partnerships, with approximately 670 members from many different disciplines.
I cannot imagine our University without this key resource that brings hope and care to patients statewide. In a normal year (the last one being 2019), the Masonic Cancer Clinic sees roughly 35,000 clinic visits, serves over 3,000 new patients, while the Masonic Cancer Center leads the Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network to expand clinical trials to patients outside of the population centers.
In 2023, the Masonic Cancer Center will undergo a rigorous external review to renew its designation and funding. In 2018, under the leadership of Dr. Douglas Yee, the last competitive review process awarded the Masonic Cancer Center an outstanding rating.
Please join me in supporting the leadership, faculty, and staff of the Masonic Cancer Center as they prepare for their next application. The work they do is critical—to all of us in the health sciences, to the University, and to people with cancer everywhere.
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