The University of Kansas Cancer Center announced Sept. 25, 2011, as the date that it will be applying for National Cancer Institute designation.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who has been among those pushing for the prestigious designation, was on hand for the announcement Thursday along with Cancer Center director Roy Jensen.

The designation would entitle the center to attract more federal grants, clinical trials and research programs.

The selection process is highly competitive and it can take years before a center can apply. The institute says centers are recognized for scientific excellence and having extensive cancer-related resources.

There are 64 NCI-designated cancer or comprehensive cancer centers, but none are in Kansas.