Over the last several years as the 2015 Challenge became the Vision for the Nation's Cancer Program, NCI leadership, working with expert staff in divisions and centers, identified critical paths needed to make this Vision a reality. They conceived the Strategic Plan with ongoing input from NCI's advisory groups and regular interactions with the cancer research and advocacy communities. It sets forth a framework within which NCI can use its funding, infrastructure, tools, and intellectual resources to lead and work with others. The eight strategic objectives identified in the Plan will be instrumental in guiding our operational level plans and an organizer for measuring and reporting progress.

Understand the Causes and Mechanisms of Cancer ⁴
We will conduct and support basic, clinical, and population research to gain a more complete understanding of the genetic, epigenetic, environmental, behavioral, and sociocultural determinants of cancer and the biological mechanisms underlying cancer resistance, susceptibility, initiation, regression, progression, and recurrence.

Accelerate Progress in Cancer Prevention ⁵
We will accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of cancer prevention interventions by investing in research focused on systems biology, behavior modifications, environmental and policy influences, medical and nutritional approaches, and training and education for research and health professionals.

Improve Early Detection and Diagnosis ⁶
We will support the development and dissemination of interventions to detect and diagnose early-stage malignancy.

Develop Effective and Efficient Treatments ⁷
We will support the development and dissemination of interventions to treat malignancy by either destroying all cancer cells or modulating and controlling metastasis, both with minimal harm to healthy tissue.

Understand the Factors that Influence Cancer Outcomes ⁸
We will support and conduct studies to increase our understanding of and ability to measure the environmental, behavioral, sociocultural, and economic influences that affect the quality of cancer care, survivorship, and health disparities.

Improve the Quality of Cancer Care ⁹
We will support the development and dissemination of quality improvement interventions and measure their success in improving health-related outcomes across the cancer continuum.

Improve the Quality of Life for Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Their Families ¹⁰
We will support the development and dissemination of interventions to reduce the adverse effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment and improve health-related outcomes for cancer patients, survivors, and their families.

Overcome Cancer Health Disparities ¹¹
We will study and identify factors contributing to disparities, develop culturally appropriate approaches, and disseminate interventions to overcome those disparities across the cancer control continuum from disease prevention to end-of-life care.