For more than 70 years, National Cancer Center has been providing financial support to researchers undertaking innovative and promising studies that seek to cure cancer. We also provide education on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Funding Innovation, Advancing Cures
In 2024 alone, National Cancer Center backed 14+ new and renewed grants with over $792,000 in research funding—contributing to a total of more than $8.72 million disbursed to drive breakthroughs against cancer.
2024 New and Renewed
Research Grants
2024 Grant Money disbursed for research
Total funds disbursed by national cancer center
News & Updates
The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation Presents Grant Funds to National Cancer Center
We were happy to present grant funds to National Cancer Center, Inc. Our funds will help them carry on their work, started in 1953 by the pioneer who worked on[…]
Read moreDeep Links Between Alcohol and Cancer Are Described in New Report
At NCC, we are proud to share that we are currently supporting colorectal and breast cancer researchers at various institutions. In the last three years alone, we provided funding in[…]
Read moreHow to Treat and Cure These 4 Common Infections That Cause Cancer
National Cancer Center Founder Dr. James Ernest Ayre, Jr., co-inventor of the Ayre Spatula, played a pivotal and pioneering role in developing the Papanicolaou test (PAP SMEAR) for the early detection of[…]
Read moreOur Focus:
Six Key Areas in the Fight Against Cancer
From pediatric to aggressive tumors, National Cancer Center champions critical research and education to transform outcomes and offer hope for all.
AGGRESSIVE CANCERS
Launched in 2015, National Cancer Center’s Aggressive Cancer Research project funds critical studies of high-toxicity cancers like pancreatic, lung, and liver. Our grant to Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai drives discoveries aimed at stopping cancer’s core mechanisms. By refining therapies and reducing toxic side effects, we strive to offer better outcomes for patients facing cancer challenges.
BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer strikes one in eight women, claiming nearly five lives each hour in the U.S. In response, the NCC formed the Breast Cancer Project, devoting critical funds to research bold, innovative causes, treatments, and potential cures. Our dedicated grant to Duke University focuses on genetic factors, immunotherapy, and improving prevention, detection, and treatment to help women fight and survive this disease.
CHILDREN’S LEUKEMIA
National Cancer Center’s Fighting Childhood Leukemia program targets the most prevalent childhood cancer, accounting for over one-third of all pediatric cases. By funding research at leading institutions like Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we aim to identify new molecular markers and therapies. Our goal is to enhance early diagnosis, improve treatment outcomes, and advance transformative cures.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CANCER
National Cancer Center’s Children’s Cancer Project supports cutting-edge pediatric cancer research, prevention, and education. Through partnerships like our previous fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, we focus on neuroblastoma, the most common solid tumor in children. By expanding early detection efforts and public awareness, we aim to improve patient outcomes and bring hope to children and families facing these cancers.
NCC PROJECT
National Cancer Center Project invests in pioneering research beyond our core programs, supporting breakthroughs in areas like brain tumors, melanoma, DNA repair, immunotherapy, and targeted therapeutics. By offering flexible fellowships, we fuel bold investigations that might otherwise go unfunded. This approach fosters novel discoveries, ultimately shaping new treatments and advancing the fight against cancer on multiple, often unexplored, fronts.
PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., affecting about one in nine men, with higher risk in older and African-American men. National Cancer Center’s Prostate Cancer Project backs innovative research on prevention, better early detection, and treatment. By urgently fueling vital breakthroughs, we aim to reduce mortality, improve quality of life, and pave the way toward a future cure.
National Cancer Center’s Commitment to Research
Breaking new ground to understand how and why cancer develops—and training tomorrow’s scientific leaders to defeat it.
Despite advancements in cancer treatment, too many patients still lose their battle. Basic research explores the origins of cancer in different tissues, seeking to identify root causes and vastly improve patient outcomes.
By studying the body’s immune response to newly formed cancer cells, researchers aim to uncover why some treatments fail. These insights can lead to strategies that thwart resistance and boost therapy effectiveness.
Early-career post-doctoral fellows, guided by experienced mentors, lead many fundamental investigations. Their fresh perspectives and rigorous work form the basis for tomorrow’s lifesaving therapies.
Donor contributions help fund these promising researchers, ensuring steady progress in understanding cancer’s complexities. Through the NCC, every gift sustains crucial research that drives breakthroughs and offers real hope against this disease.
Celebrating 70 Years of Advancing Cancer Research
National Cancer Center was founded by Dr. J. Ernest Ayre, in 1953 as a non-profit organization committed to research and education about cancer. Dr. Ayre was a pioneer in refining and promoting the Pap test for women, a major factor in reducing deaths from cervical cancer by 70%. He was also one of the first researchers to recognize the enormous potential of Interferon for cancer treatment. Dr. Ayre’s dedication and accomplishments have been emblematic of the work we have carried out for over 70 years. Of the nearly eight million dollars of fellowship awards granted, NCC is pleased to have funded a record $792,000 this year, in 2024, to fourteen exceptional, postdoctoral scientists at a wide range of academic and scientific institutions. We are currently funding research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard University, MIT, Rockefeller University, Columbia University, New York University, University of Pittsburgh, the Cleveland Clinic, City of Hope in CA, and other prominent universities and research institutes throughout the U.S.
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Our Founder:
James Ernest Ayre M.D.
Dr. James Ernest Ayre was a pioneering gynecologist and cancer researcher whose innovations transformed early cancer detection. A collaborator of Dr. George Papanicolaou, he co-invented the Ayre Spatula, a key tool still used today in cervical cancer screening.
Driven by a passion for scientific discovery, Dr. Ayre developed diagnostic instruments for cancers of the lung, throat, and colon, and was among the earliest researchers exploring the potential of interferon as a cancer treatment.
In 1953, he founded the National Cancer Cytology Center—now the National Cancer Center—to advance cancer research and education. His legacy lives on through our ongoing support of critical cancer research projects across the country.
Our Scientific Advisory Board
Victoria L. Seewaldt, M.D.
Chair
Darell D. Bigner, M.D., Ph.D.
Chair Emeritus
Janet M.D. Plate, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisory Board Member
Jerome Ritz, M.D.
Scientific Advisory Board Member
David Knorr, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Advisory Board Member
John M. Kirkwood, M.D.
Scientific Advisory Board Member
Our Staff
Kris DiSanti
Interim Executive Director and Vice President Programs and Operations
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