NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is proud of its status as a comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. "Comprehensive" centers -- the highest ranking -- are established by a rigorous evaluation process to exhibit scientific excellence and the capability to integrate a diversity of research approaches to focus on the problem of cancer. Criteria include:
- A strong core of basic laboratory research in fields such as biology, chemistry, immunology, and molecular genetics
- A mechanism for transferring research findings into clinical practice, a process that is often called "translational"
- A record of innovative clinical research studies in the communities served by the center
- A program of high-priority clinical trials for therapies with unusual promise
- A program of cancer prevention and control research
- A program of research training and continuing education for health care professionals
- A wide range of cancer information services for patients, health professionals, and the surrounding community
- A commitment to community services and outreach activities related to cancer prevention and control
The NCI Cancer Advisory Board, whose members are appointed by the U.S. president, must recommend approval for a cancer center to receive the comprehensive designation. This designation is re-evaluated at five-year intervals to ensure that the same comprehensive standards are met.
For more information, visit the NCI Cancer Centers Program website, where you will also find a listing of all NCI-designated cancer centers. The NCI's overall website at www.cancer.gov is the most authoritative source of cancer information, including advances in treatment, supportive care, screening, and prevention; information on clinical trials; and more.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
UCSF is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world's leading cancer centers. NCCN brings together oncology thought leaders to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice. Through the collective expertise of its member institutions, NCCN develops, updates, and disseminates a complete library of clinical practice guidelines, which are the standard for clinical policy in oncology.
For more information, visit the NCCN online.
Association of American Cancer Institutes
As a member of the Association of American Cancer Institutes, the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center has joined with leading U.S. cancer research centers whose efforts involve a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program of cancer research, treatment, patient care, prevention, education, and community outreach. AACI-affiliated centers are dedicated to translating promising research findings into new interventions to prevent and treat cancer, and ultimately to ease the burden of cancer on patients, families, and communities.
For more information, visit AACI online.
Commission on Cancer
Since 1933, cancer programs at UCSF have been continuously accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS). The CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to reducing the morbidity and mortality of cancer through education, standard-setting, and monitoring of quality, multidisciplinary cancer patient care. CoC-approved programs diagnose and treat 80 percent of the individuals who are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Cancer programs like those at UCSF voluntarily participate in the CoC Approvals Program, complying with 36 standards of quality cancer patient care. The result is that UCSF is among a select group of institutions that have achieved the highest level of accreditation. Our patients can be assured of: a multi-specialty, comprehensive team approach to coordinate the best treatment options; treatment with state-of-the-art services and equipment; access to the latest clinical trials; and access to cancer-related information, education, and support services.