Essen/Cologne/Düsseldorf/Berlin (dpa/lnw) – Cancer research in North Rhine-Westphalia is being scientifically ennobled: the university clinics in Essen and Cologne will in future include six permanent locations nationwide for the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT). This was announced by the Federal Ministry of Research on Thursday.

An important prerequisite for the successful joint candidature of both university hospitals was the founding of the Cancer Research Center Cologne Essen (CCCE), which was supported by the state, the Düsseldorf State Chancellery announced. “In North Rhine-Westphalia, the CCCE offers excellent conditions for treating affected cancer patients with the latest scientific findings on site,” emphasized Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU).

NRW Science Minister Ina Brandes (CDU) thanked the researchers at the medical sites in NRW. “North Rhine-Westphalia is at the forefront in the fight against cancer, a widespread disease,” she praised. “Thanks to the permanent funding, further progress is now possible through new and better diagnostic methods and therapies. Many people will benefit from this.”

In addition to Heidelberg and Dresden, the National Center for Tumor Diseases now also includes the four new locations Berlin, Cologne/Essen, Tübingen/Stuttgart-Ulm and Würzburg with the partners Erlangen, Regensburg and Augsburg.

According to the Federal Ministry of Research, around 500,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Germany every year – and the trend is rising. According to figures from the State Ministry of Health, there are almost 120,000 new cases in NRW. The chances of recovery are very good for about half if initial and high-quality care is guaranteed, the Düsseldorf ministry said. In North Rhine-Westphalia, 23 hospitals have been designated as oncological centers for the first time in the past two years, which have to meet particularly strict quality requirements.

The annual World Cancer Day is on February 4th – this time under the motto: “Improve care for those affected, close gaps”.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:230202-99-451007/2