NCI Designation Fuels Cutting-Edge Cancer Care for Nebraskans
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at Nebraska Medical Center stands among an elite group of cancer care providers – just 73 centers nationwide - holding the prestigious National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. This recognition translates directly into enhanced care adn groundbreaking research opportunities for cancer patients across Nebraska.
“It means that we have the best research at our center that can lead to better therapies,” explains joann sweasy, PhD, director of the Cancer Center. A core tenet of their approach is integrating clinical trials into standard cancer treatment, offering patients access to the most innovative therapies available.
The NCI designation isn’t simply about advanced treatments; it’s a catalyst for attracting leading researchers and securing vital funding. NCI-designated centers collectively receive approximately 67% of all external NCI research dollars, providing the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center with the resources to pursue pioneering investigations.
“The best researchers want to be at institutions that have NCI-designated centers,” Dr. Sweasy notes, emphasizing the benefit for Nebraska patients: access to the newest cancer treatments without having to travel far from home. Beyond treatment,the center is actively focused on improving cancer prevention through increased screening rates statewide.
“We have an under-screened state. We want to surpass the U.S. in terms of screening,” Dr. Sweasy states, highlighting the critical importance of early detection in saving lives.
Crucially, the NCI designation connects the Nebraska center to a national network of experts, fostering collaboration and accelerating progress. “We’re part of the national team,” Dr. Sweasy emphasizes.”Just like the Huskers, Nebraskans want to play at the national level. We’re part of the national team to cure cancer.”
