National Cancer Institute Designation

Mays Cancer Center is one of only four NCI-designated cancer centers in Texas and the only one in South Texas. 

We earned this distinction with our long-standing history of quality cancer research, including basic science and clinical studies. Our efforts also include community outreach and educating the next generation of cancer researchers for South Texas.

NCI designation places us among the world’s respected cancer centers. It also brings innovative new therapies to people in San Antonio and the 38 counties of South Texas we serve.

What is NCI cancer center designation? 

Many cancer centers provide high-quality care, but only a select few, such as ours, receive NCI designation. We have maintained this designation since 1991, meaning we have been at the forefront of cancer research for decades. 

NCI cancer center designation reflects our commitment to:

• Delivering comprehensive care, including leading methods for preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer
• Conducting research to uncover innovative ways to treat cancers, especially those that affect our South Texas community
• Leading the field in cancer care and research by sharing our findings with doctors all over the world

How our NCI cancer center designation benefits you

Eligible patients have access to new treatments that are not available outside of NCI-designated cancer centers. Our cutting-edge research focuses on the unique needs of the South Texas population.

You benefit from:

• Multidisciplinary care: Our patients receive care from a team of specialists in one location. Our cancer experts hold regular meetings called tumor boards where we coordinate care and develop personalized treatment plans. Find out more about the cancer types we treat.
• Access to clinical trials: When new cancer treatments are available, we are often among the first in the nation to offer them to eligible patients through clinical trials. In many cases, our teams have a hand in developing these new therapies. Get more information about cancer clinical trials and research.
• Precise care: We constantly exchange information with other NCI-designated centers that leads to more precise care. As a result, we deliver therapies that preserve more healthy tissue, require less recovery time and offer longer-lasting results. Learn more about cancer treatments.
• Focus on prevention: We are taking steps to lessen the impact of cancer on our community. NCI-sponsored research helps us explore the unique ways cancer affects Latino populations. We are also detecting cancer and cancer risks earlier, helping us deliver treatments that are more likely to work. Read more about cancer prevention and screenings.