About HUCC
Our Story
The cancer program at Howard began as the Tumor Clinic of Freedman’s Hospital which was established in 1862 to provide health care for former slaves and other African Americans who migrated to Washington, DC during the Civil War.
The Howard University Cancer Center was founded in 1972 and remains the only Cancer Center at a Historically Black College or University that provides a full range of cancer treatment services and trains the next generation of oncology professionals and cancer researchers.
2022 marked the Cancer Center's 50th year of service to the DC Community. Today, the Cancer Center continues to serve its founding purpose and mission to reduce the morbidity and mortality among individuals in the DC metropolitan area. Our work embraces the diversity of African diaspora and seeks to achieve health equity and health justice for all.
Our Mission
Howard’s historic commitment to Conquering Cancer is founded on the core belief that optimal health for the individual is directly linked to the overall health of the community.
The HUCC has longstanding connections and commitments to the communities we have the honor to serve. Our commitment to being a trustworthy member of the community guides our core values of Excellence, Equity, and Engagement. To achieve optimal health care and support community wellness we place stakeholder engagement at the foundation of our work.
Our Team
Carla D. Williams, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Medicine & Public Health Interim Cancer Center Director
