title: The National Cancer Program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an understanding of the history, progress, and future of the National Cancer Program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published articles, reports, book chapters, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) web site.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The NCI is the largest agency for cancer research. The cancer incidence and burden remains significant in spite of many advances. Oncology nurses can contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer through an enhanced understanding of the NCI's program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The NCI provides many opportunities for oncology nurses. Nurses can conduct NCI-sponsored research trials, serve on NCI advisory boards, and participate in clinical research. Nurses can advise patients and the public of the many resources available to patients from the NCI and assist patients with informed decision making.
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wujcik
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Fraser
mesh_terms: D006286:Health Planning Councils; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000266:history / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009316:National Institutes of Health (U.S.) / Q000458:organization & administration; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012106:Research; D014481:United States