The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) of Columbia University (CU) is the University’s organizational structure for the conduct of basic, clinical and population-based cancer research and patient care. Cancer Center researchers and physicians are dedicated to understanding the biology of cancer and to applying that knowledge to the design of cancer therapies and prevention strategies that reduce its incidence and progression and improve the quality of the lives of those affected by cancer.

Columbia’s interest in cancer research dates from 1911 with the creation of the Institute for Cancer Research. Initially funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 1972 and designated comprehensive in 1979, the HICCC is one of only 41 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States, of which only three are in New York State.

Today, the HICCC has more than 200 members from six schools at Columbia University. Current NCI funding to members is more than $33.0 million and Cancer Center members have been awarded over $95.0 million (total costs) in total peer-reviewed cancer research grants.

The Research Programs are organized into three divisions – Basic, Disease-specific, and Population-based science – with a total of eight Research Programs. The Center also supports and manages 12 Shared Resources which provide services that are essential to cancer research. For more information click here.