Cancer treatment in the United States is available through many specialized hospitals and cancer centers. Some institutions focus heavily on cancer research, while others provide multidisciplinary care, clinical trials, advanced diagnostics, surgery, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.

This guide highlights 10 major cancer centers in the United States that patients and families may want to research when looking for specialized cancer care. This is an informational list, not an official ranking or medical recommendation.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) designates cancer centers that meet rigorous standards for cancer research. NCI currently lists designated cancer centers across the United States, including Comprehensive, Clinical, and Basic Laboratory Cancer Centers.

1. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, Texas

MD Anderson is one of the most recognized cancer-focused institutions in the United States. It is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and provides care across many cancer types.

The institution has extensive research and clinical programs across cancer specialties, including programs focused on diagnosis, treatment, cancer research, and clinical trials.

2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — New York, New York

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with a strong focus on cancer treatment, research, and education.

The center treats many different cancer types and conducts clinical trials and research across numerous areas of cancer biology and treatment.

3. Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center — Rochester, Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with locations in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida.

Mayo Clinic's cancer program combines cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, clinical trials, and survivorship care through multidisciplinary teams.

4. Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center — Boston, Massachusetts

Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Boston and connects multiple Harvard-affiliated institutions involved in cancer research and care.

The center focuses on adult and pediatric cancer treatment and research. Its participating institutions combine research resources and clinical expertise to advance cancer diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and clinical trials.

5. Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins — Baltimore, Maryland

The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with programs spanning cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and supportive care.

The center brings together researchers and clinicians from multiple departments and schools at Johns Hopkins. Its research includes cancer biology, drug development, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

6. City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center — Duarte, California

City of Hope is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in California that combines cancer research, treatment, education, and clinical programs.

The center works across areas including blood cancers, solid tumors, breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, prostate cancer, gynecologic cancers, brain cancers, and pediatric cancers.

7. Duke Cancer Institute — Durham, North Carolina

Duke Cancer Institute is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center that integrates cancer care, research, and education across Duke Health.

The institute includes experts working across basic, clinical, translational, and population sciences research and multiple cancer disease sites.

8. Moffitt Cancer Center — Tampa, Florida

Moffitt Cancer Center is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center located in Tampa, Florida. It is a specialized cancer center with a strong focus on cancer research, treatment, education, and clinical trials.

Its research programs include cancer biology, immunology, epidemiology, health outcomes, and innovative approaches to cancer treatment.

9. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center — Miami, Florida

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is an NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida.

Patients considering cancer care in Florida can research Sylvester alongside other specialized centers and compare its cancer programs, treatment options, clinical trials, locations, and available services.

10. UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center — San Francisco, California

UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Francisco.

The center is part of the University of California San Francisco and combines cancer research, clinical care, education, and specialized programs for different cancer types.

How to Choose a Cancer Hospital

Choosing a cancer hospital depends on the type of cancer, treatment needs, location, insurance coverage, availability of specialists, and access to clinical trials.

Patients may want to consider the following factors:

• Whether the center specializes in the specific type of cancer.
• Availability of medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.
• Access to multidisciplinary cancer teams.
• Availability of clinical trials when appropriate.
• Location and travel requirements.
• Insurance and financial assistance options.
• Patient and family support services.
• Availability of second-opinion services.

Questions to Ask a Cancer Center

• Does the hospital regularly treat my type of cancer?
• Which specialists would be involved in my care?
• Are clinical trials available for my condition?
• What diagnostic tests may be needed?
• How often will I need to visit the hospital?
• Does the hospital offer support services for patients and families?
• Can I receive a second opinion before starting treatment?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an NCI-Designated Cancer Center?

An NCI-Designated Cancer Center is a cancer research institution recognized by the National Cancer Institute for meeting specific standards related to cancer research. NCI-designated centers may also provide cancer treatment and other patient services depending on the center.

Is there one best cancer hospital for everyone?

No. The most appropriate cancer center depends on the patient's diagnosis, cancer type, treatment needs, location, insurance, and other individual circumstances. A qualified healthcare professional can help patients determine what type of specialist or cancer center may be appropriate.

Should I get a second opinion?

Patients may choose to seek a second opinion when making important cancer treatment decisions. A second opinion can provide additional information about diagnosis and available treatment options.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose, treat, or recommend any specific hospital or cancer treatment.

Hospital services, physicians, treatment programs, locations, and availability may change over time. Always verify important information directly with the hospital or a qualified healthcare professional.