On Wednesday, the University of Kansas Cancer Center (KUCC) hosted scientists from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), who were in town to evaluate KUCC’s application to become an “NCI-designated Cancer Center.” I was honored to be in Kansas City to speak to the NCI scientists and express my full and ongoing commitment to KUCC in its pursuit of this exclusive designation.

Last September, KUCC formally applied for NCI designation. Wednesday’s site visit was part of this application process. NCI is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and our nation’s principal agency for cancer research and training. Obtaining NCI designation would substantially enhance KUCC’s ability to discover, develop, and deliver innovative treatments to patients in our state, improving the quality of life for Kansans. Currently, there are 66 NCI-designated cancer centers across the country – but none in Kansas. With NCI designation, KUCC patients would have access to the latest clinical trials and the most advanced cancer treatments close to home. 

Because NCI designation is the highest recognition for an academic cancer center, KUCC would also be better positioned to recruit the brightest researchers and scientists to develop cutting-edge treatments in Kansas City. Furthermore, studies have shown that NCI designation would attract thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to our state’s economy. Economic development on this scale would not only impact thousands of Kansans today, but would benefit residents for years to come.

Thanks to our nation’s commitment to cancer research, more than 12 million Americans have survived cancer and the 5-year survival rate for all cancers has risen considerably. Yet, there is so much more to be done. We must continue to strengthen our nation’s medical research infrastructure. KUCC is uniquely suited to make a lasting impact on the millions of Americans living within its service area that spans 120,000 square miles.

I commend the teams at KUCC, KU Medical Center, KU Hospital, and other partners for their pursuit of NCI designation. The future holds great promise for medical discoveries and supporting this essential mission is one of my highest priorities. By investing in medical research, we are investing in our future and bringing hope to millions of Americans. Click hereto view a photo from the visit.