First established at Northwestern University in 1974, the Cancer Center was invigorated in 1989 when Ann and Robert H. Lurie made a commitment to endow an institution dedicated to research and advancement in the battle against cancer. In October 1991, the Cancer Center was dedicated as the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center of Northwestern University. This title was modified in 1998, when the National Cancer Institute (NCI) awarded the Lurie Cancer Center the highly competitive "comprehensive" designation - reflecting the Cancer Center's dedication to the highest standards of cancer research, patient care, prevention and education.

Today, the Lurie Cancer Center is one of only 41 cancer centers in the nation to hold this NCI designation. In addition, the Lurie Cancer Center is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an exclusive alliance of 21 of the nation's leading cancer centers.

What is a "Comprehensive Cancer Center"?

The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University is proud to be one of only two comprehensive cancer centers in Illinois, as designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

In 1971, the National Cancer Act called for the creation of Cancer centers of excellence throughout the United States. The Lurie Cancer Center was designated as a "comprehensive" cancer center in 1998.

To gain a "comprehensive" designation (the highest ranking given by the National Cancer Institute), a center must meet specific criteria:

• Strong basic laboratory and clinical cancer research and the translational research that forms the bridge between them
• Innovative cancer treatments involving clinical trials
• Cancer prevention and control programs
• Training and education of health care professionals
• Cancer information services
• Community outreach and education

In addition, the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Advisory Board, whose members are appointed by the President of the United States to oversee the NCI's programs and policies, must recommend approval for a center to receive the comprehensive designation. The center must repeat an external review of the criteria above every five years.