Which organization was established as a center for cancer research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services?

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) was established as a center for cancer research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to conduct and support research, training, health information dissemination, and other activities related to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. It serves as a comprehensive resource for cancer research and plays a crucial role in funding and administering cancer research studies, thus advancing knowledge in the field of oncology.

NCI is a vital part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and focuses on various aspects of cancer, including basic, clinical, and epidemiological research. Its establishment reflects the government's commitment to understanding and combatting cancer, making it a cornerstone institution for oncology research.

In contrast, while organizations like the American College of Surgeons and the American Association for Cancer Research contribute significantly to cancer care and research, they are not specifically government entities established for the sole purpose of cancer research. Similarly, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program is a source of cancer statistics and is also part of NCI but does not serve as a standalone cancer research center. Therefore, the National Cancer Institute is the correct choice as the designated research center.