THE NATION’S HIGHEST LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE, CLOSE TO HOME
Huntsman Cancer Institute is proud to be recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest national designation possible.
Comprehensive status is reserved for centers that demonstrate exceptional strength in cancer research, prevention, and treatment. This means research and patient care go hand‑in‑hand, with treatment informed by experts whose work is actively advancing how cancer is understood, prevented, and treated. Of an estimated 1,500 cancer centers in the country, fewer than 5% achieve this designation.
Huntsman Cancer Institute is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West, giving patients across Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, and beyond access to the most advanced, research-backed care available today.
WHAT IS AN NCI-DESIGNATED CANCER CENTER?
The NCI Cancer Centers Program was created as part of the National Cancer Act, which was signed into law by President Nixon on December 23, 1971. It is one of the anchors of the nation’s cancer research efforts. The policy launched major progress toward saving lives and reducing the suffering caused by cancer.
Through this program, the NCI recognizes cancer centers around the country that meet thorough standards for research, cancer care, education, prevention, and community outreach.
Different Types of NCI Designations
The NCI supports cancer centers across the United States. There are three distinct levels that the NCI recognizes:
- Basic Laboratory Cancer Centers primarily focus on laboratory research.
- Clinical Cancer Centers are recognized for their research in basic, clinical, and/or prevention, cancer control, and population science.
- Comprehensive Cancer Centers demonstrate excellence in and integration of all major areas of cancer science, while also leading education and community efforts.
See the full list of centers.
WHY CHOOSE AN NCI-DESIGNATED COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER FOR YOUR CARE
Better Outcomes
Patients treated at NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers receive the gold standard of cancer care and are proven to have better health outcomes.
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, this means you receive coordinated care from specialists who use the latest evidence, technology, and treatments to deliver the best possible outcomes for you.
Expert Care Teams
Comprehensive Cancer Centers bring together top cancer specialists who are recognized leaders in their fields.
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, your care is guided by dedicated and world-renowned experts who work as a coordinated team to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Research-Backed Care
Patients at Comprehensive Cancer Centers benefit from care informed by the latest cancer research.
As a leading research and care center, Huntsman Cancer Institute brings together doctors and researchers who work side by side to turn scientific discoveries into better outcomes for you. Here, you have access to the most advanced technologies and therapies, with care guided by cutting-edge research at every step.
Access to Clinical Trials
NCI‑designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers lead clinical trials to test new treatments, helping bring tomorrow’s cancer therapies to patients today.
With more than 400 open trials at any given time—including early‑phase and first‑in‑human studies—Huntsman Cancer Institute gives patients access to innovative treatment options that go beyond today’s standard of care.
SERVING THE MOUNTAIN WEST
Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to reducing the cancer burden in the area we serve. The area we serve is part of an NCI requirement for all cancer centers to outline its catchment area, the region where a cancer center focuses its efforts. We serve the five-state Mountain West—Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming—which is the largest land area of any NCI-designated Cancer Center.
This commitment to the Mountain West guides how we support communities throughout the region, from cancer education and prevention efforts to early screening and expanded access to care for rural and frontier populations.
Learn more about how Huntsman Cancer Institute serves Mountain West residents.
TIMELINE OF HUNTSMAN CANCER INSTITUTE’S NCI DESIGNATION
1986
The cancer program at the University of Utah earns NCI designation as a “Cancer Center,” with an emphasis on genetics research as a way to understand, diagnose, and treat cancer.
1995
The Huntsman family pledges $100 million to construct a state-of-the-art Cancer Center, formally establishing Huntsman Cancer Institute.
1999
Huntsman Cancer Institute opens its first research building and outpatient clinics.
2015
Huntsman Cancer Institute earns NCI designation as a “Comprehensive Cancer Center,” the highest national designation possible.
2020
The NCI renews Huntsman Cancer Institute’s designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center.
2021
Huntsman Cancer Institute formalizes its five-state catchment area, the largest geographic region of any Cancer Center.
Huntsman Cancer Institute has maintained its Comprehensive Cancer Center status since it was first awarded by the NCI in 2015.