In 2002, Mayo Clinic's designation as a comprehensive cancer center in Rochester, Minn., was extended to include Mayo Clinic locations in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Jacksonville, Fla. Mayo Clinic is the first multicenter clinic in the United States to receive comprehensive cancer center designation by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for its entire cancer program.

For cancer patients, a cancer center with a national reach means first-rate, protocol-driven care and the assurance that they can receive state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment regardless of location. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center staff collaborates on research and shares findings among themselves and with staff from other NCI-designated cancer centers. Patients benefit not only from Mayo Clinic's expertise but also from the knowledge of cancer physicians and researchers at the nation's most renowned cancer centers.

More than 2,000 hospitals and medical centers in the United States list a cancer center among their services and facilities. However, of those centers, only 61 have met the criteria to be designated by the NCI as cancer centers. Further, of those 61, only 40 are ranked as comprehensive cancer centers.

Learn more about the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center (opens in new window).