Advancing knowledge, enhancing care is the mission of the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. The Masonic Cancer Center fosters this mission by creating a collaborative research environment focused on the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer; applying that knowledge to improve quality of life for patients and survivors; and sharing its discoveries with other scientists, students, professionals, and the community.

The Masonic Cancer Center was founded in 1991. It is part of the University's Academic Health Center, which also includes the Medical School, School of Dentistry, School of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Public Health and College of Veterinary Medicine. The Masonic Cancer Center's research partners include the University's Stem Cell Institute, Center for Immunology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and the Institute of Human Genetics; and its clinical research and treatment partners include the University of Minnesota Physicians; University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview; and University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital.