ICYMI, the UK Markey Cancer Center was recently awarded NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center status, the highest possible accolade from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Markey was first named an NCI-Designated Cancer Center in 2013. Every five years, Markey undergoes a rigorous review of their research programs and related activities by the NCI. Today, Markey is Kentucky’s only NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center — and just one of only 56 in the nation.

So, what does that mean? Kentuckians who come to the center have access to innovative new drugs, treatment options, and clinical trials that aren’t available elsewhere. The center’s specialists are also able to collaborate with other NCI-Designated Cancer Centers across the nation for additional support + insight into the latest breakthroughs in cancer care.

Studies show that patients who seek care at NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers have higher survival rates.

As an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, Markey receives public grant funds from the NCI to study and implement cancer prevention strategies, clinical trials and research studies, and evidenced-based research that will help Kentuckians the most. | Photo provided by UK Markey Cancer Center

This designation also comes with tangible benefits to Markey and the patients it serves, including:

More funding opportunities from the NCI for research, training, and outreach.
A powerful recruiting tool for the most accomplished physicians and scientists, whose expertise will benefit Kentuckians facing cancer.
More opportunities to collaborate with national and international partners on studies ranging from basic laboratory research to clinical assessments of new treatments.
Patients receive earlier access to advanced clinical trials, bringing the latest and best cancer treatments and therapies as close to home as possible.
Research-driven care, which means more treatment options and more promising outcomes for patients and their families.

To contact the experts at Markey, fill out this form or give them a call at (859) 257-4488. Here’s what you can expect from your first visit.

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Quiz

The next-closest Comprehensive Cancer Center is nearly ___ miles from Lexington. Take a guess.