On Dec. 3, 2000, the National Cancer Institute announced it had established the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities.

The Center absorbed the former Office of Special Populations Research. The NCI Strategic Plan to Reduce Health Disparities was part of a major national commitment to identify and address the underlying causes of disease and disability in racial and ethnic communities.

Because these communities carry an unequal burden of cancer-related health disparities, NCI was working to enhance its research, education, and training programs that focus on populations in need.