Mission Statement
The overall mission of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is to plan, conduct and coordinate a national program involving research on the detection, diagnosis, cause, prevention, treatment, palliation of cancers, rehabilitation of the cancer patient, and demonstration of the effectiveness of cancer control methods and techniques. Within this overall charge, there is a more specific directive to consult with appropriate individuals and agencies in the development, coordination, and support of cancer research programs in other countries (National Cancer Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-218) and subsequent follow-up legislation (e.g., USC Sec. 285a-2, 1/26/98)).The NCI Office of International Affairs (OIA) is the focal point for execution of many (though not all) of the Institute's international outreach programs, which are pursuant to these mandates. Specifically, OIA is charged with:
- Coordination of the planning, management, and evaluation of the international research, control, and information activities of the National Cancer Program;
- Serving as NCI focal point with the Fogarty International Center, the Office of Global Health Affairs, the State Department, and other Federal organizations involved in international health activities;
- Coordination of cancer activities under formal and informal collaborative agreements between the United States and other countries;
- Planning and implementation of programs for the international exchange of scientists; and
- Maintenance of liaison with international agencies involved in the National Cancer Program.
For additional information on OIA activities, please see the OIA Fact Sheet.
