NCI
NCI stands for the National Cancer Institute. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Purpose
The NCI is the federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training, and it is responsible for coordinating and conducting research on the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
History
The NCI was established in 1937, and since then, it has played a leading role in advancing our understanding of cancer and developing new treatments and therapies to improve the lives of cancer patients. The NCI supports a wide range of research projects and programs, including basic research to understand the fundamental mechanisms of cancer, clinical trials to test new treatments and therapies, and population-based studies to identify factors that may increase or decrease the risk of cancer.
Goals
One of the main goals of the NCI is to reduce the burden of cancer on the American public. To achieve this goal, the NCI conducts and supports research on all types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer, as well as rare and pediatric cancers.
Cancer research and prevention
The NCI also works to increase access to cancer prevention, screening, and treatment services, particularly for underserved populations.
Education
In addition to supporting research, the NCI also provides education and training to the next generation of cancer researchers and health professionals. This includes funding research training programs for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career investigators, as well as providing educational resources and information to the public on cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.
National policy development
The NCI also plays a key role in the development of national cancer policy. It works with other federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, to coordinate and implement cancer-related programs and initiatives. The NCI also collaborates with international organizations, such as the World Health Organization, to address global cancer challenges.
Summary
Overall, the National Cancer Institute is a vital resource for cancer research and training in the United States, and it is committed to improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer for all Americans.
External links
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