The Masonic Cancer Center creates a collaborative research environment focused on the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer; applying that knowledge to improve quality of life for patients and survivors; and sharing its discoveries with other scientists, students, professionals, and the community. Founded in 1991, the cancer center became a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in 1997, one of only 41 institutions in the United States and two in Minnesota to hold that designation.

More than 500 faculty and staff are members of the Masonic Cancer Center. It is home to some of the world's top cancer researchers in bone marrow transplantation, breast cancer, bone cancer, cancer genetics, tobacco research, immunology, new therapies development, pediatric oncology, chemoprevention, and epidemiology.

• Research is organized into seven programs that focus on specific themes.
• The Cancer Information Line 1-888-CANCER MN (1-888-226-2376) is available for residents of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
• Through clinical trials, researchers learn which approaches are more effective than others.
• Program meetings, seminars, and other interdisciplinary meetings at the Masonic Cancer Center brings together experts from different fields to address the problem of cancer.