Department of the Interior: Calibre Database Support, Information Technology Services and Support (ITSS)

National Cancer Institute, Frederick MD

Investigators

Abstract

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is an operating division within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The creation of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) was authorized by the U.S. Congress in the National Cancer Act of 1937. In this landmark legislation, NCI was given a mandate to engage in certain fundamental activities: conducting and fostering cancer research; reviewing and approving grant-in-aid applications to support promising research projects on the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer; collecting, analyzing, and disseminating the results of cancer research conducted in the United States and in other countries; and providing training and instruction in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. NCI is the world's pre-eminent cancer research organization. The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), aim to reduce the risk, incidence, and deaths from cancer as well as to enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors. The Division conducts and supports an integrated program of the highest quality cancer genetic, epidemiological, behavioral, social, and surveillance research. The major objective of DCCPS is to fund extramural research. Extramural research is funded via grants, contracts and interagency agreements. Under the direction of the Office of the Director, the Information Technology Services Group (ITSG) provides Information Technology (IT) services and information systems for tracking and disseminating information relevant to the DCCPS Research Portfolio (grants, contracts, IAAs). DCCPS information systems provide data for analysis and decision-making that aids in evaluating what has been learned, identifying new research priorities and strategies, and effectively applying research discoveries to reduce the cancer burden. DCCPS is designed to: ? understand the causes and distribution of cancer in populations, ? support the development and implementation of effective interventions, and ? monitor and explain cancer trends in all segments of the population. Central to these activities is the process of synthesis and decision-making that aids in: ? evaluating what has been learned, ? identifying new priorities and strategies, and ? effectively applying research discoveries to reduce the cancer burden. Under the direction of the DCCPS, Office of the Director, the Information Technology Services Group (ITSG) provides Information Technology (IT) services and information systems for tracking and disseminating information relevant to the DCCPS Research Portfolio. Data and information from the systems are used by management and program staff to aide in analysis, evaluation, and decision-making regarding the existing research portfolio and to identify new research priorities and strategies that will effectively apply research discoveries to reduce the cancer burden.