Congratulations to all those at the Kansas University Medical Center, as well as the many generous financial contributors, who have worked so hard to prepare a solid application to have KUMC designated as one of the National Cancer Institute’s cancer centers.

This has been a true team effort started in 2005 when KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway identified the cancer center as the university’s top research priority.

Those putting together the demanding application package have done an excellent job. Gaining the prized designation as a national cancer center is a tough challenge, and KU officials realize the current national economy is an additional hurdle. Current cancer centers are experiencing fiscal cutbacks, and there is concern there may not be funds available to add another center. It is reported there are approximately 15 current centers up for recertification, as well as other first-time applicants such as KU. Even in good economic times, there is no guarantee a first-time applicant will received the cancer center designation.

Whether or not they are successful this year, all those who have been involved in the KU cancer center project are to be congratulated and thanked for their tireless and effective efforts.