About MCC

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 1998, one of only 53 institutions in the United States and two in Minnesota to hold that designation.

Heritage

The Masonic Cancer Center was founded in 1991. It is part of the health sciences, which includes the Medical School, School of Dentistry, School of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Public Health, and College of Veterinary Medicine. The Masonic Cancer Center's research partners include the University’s Stem Cell Institute, Center for Immunology, the Center for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the Clinical and Translational Science Center, and the Physical Sciences in Oncology Center. MCC's clinical research and treatment partners include University of Minnesota Health Cancer Care, University of Minnesota Medical Center, and University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital.

Masonic Cancer Center

Dr. Douglas Yee
Douglas Yee, MD, Director, Masonic Cancer Center

Director’s message

The Masonic Cancer Center serves as the hub for cancer research at the University of Minnesota. Our 600+ members apply their expertise to the broad problem of cancer with research in cancer causes, prevention, treatment, outcomes, and survivorship. The progress we’ve seen in reducing the burden of cancer in Minnesota and beyond can be directly attributed to the discoveries our researchers have made.

We have amazing partners:

  • Patients who participate in clinical trials to treatment, outcomes and survivorship.
  • Non-patients who participate in clinical trials to gain insight into the causes of cancer and the best ways to prevent and detect it.
  • Advocates who increase awareness and emphasize the importance of cancer research.
  • Philanthropic organizations whose contributions, such as the historic $65 million gift from Minnesota Masonic Charities, represent the type of long-term community commitment critical to our success.
  • Community organizations who advise us and take research findings to Minnesotans across the state.
  • Federal and state funding agencies whose grants support our career-making academic research.